A new play titled Major will debut at London’s National Theatre in 2027, focusing on the political journey of John Major, who became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1990. The play, written by James Graham, is part of a season that explores themes of political transformation and global conflict. It marks a collaboration between Graham and Jeremy Herrin, the director of the acclaimed parliamentary drama This House. The production will trace Major’s career from a relatively unknown government official to leader of the country, a time when Britain was navigating its evolving relationship with Europe after the leadership of Margaret Thatcher. The National Theatre described the play as a reflection on leadership during periods of political change, continuing Graham’s focus on modern political history in his work. The 2027 season includes eight world premieres, showcasing a diverse range of stories and perspectives. Among them is The Great Indaba, written by Moira Buffini and directed by Indhu Rubasingham, which dramatizes a 1997 meeting in South Africa involving Nelson Mandela’s government and political figures from Northern Ireland, just before the Good Friday Agreement. Another new play, Samira, by Carmen Nasr, explores the Arab Spring, while The Adeyemis – A Family Saga, written by Oladipo Agboluaje, is a political family drama set in Nigeria and will be directed by Lucian Msamati and star Uzo Aduba. Other highlights include Mr Loverman, an adaptation of Bernardine Evaristo’s novel, and Glorious Madness, a new musical featuring songs by Joan Armatrading. The season also features an immersive production by Punchdrunk called Ghostlight. While the National Theatre is known for its traditional repertoire, the 2027 season includes a mix of modern and 20th-century works, such as West Side Story, Suddenly Last Summer, and Death of a Salesman. Notably, no Shakespeare plays will be staged on the National’s main stages this year, though Hamlet will be added to the National Theatre Collection, which provides streaming and educational content. The season will also include touring productions and projects aimed at reaching wider audiences through cinema, schools, and online platforms. The National Theatre’s 2027 programme will feature 18 productions, with eight being world premieres. Rubasingham described the season as being united by “themes of resilience and hope,” reflecting the theatre’s international spirit. Kate Varah, the theatre’s co-chief executive, emphasized the importance of investing in “original storytelling” and “bold artistic voices” at a time when theatre is expanding its reach beyond traditional stages. This season aims to highlight diverse narratives and continue the National Theatre’s role as a leading cultural institution in the UK.