Rupert Goold’s inaugural season as artistic director of the Old Vic will open in January 2027, featuring Damian Lewis in a new production of Shakespeare’s Henry V. The program, announced on November 10, 2026, marks the beginning of Goold’s tenure at the London venue, which has rebranded simply as the ‘Old Vic’ while introducing a refreshed visual identity and brand typeface.
The 2027 season presents a collection of plays intended to honor the institution’s history of classical repertoire, European work, and musical revivals. Goold, who led the Almeida Theatre for over a decade, described the Old Vic as an innately maverick playhouse that historically bridges the gap between commercial and subsidized sectors, according to West End Best Friend.
Damian Lewis will make his Old Vic debut in Henry V, running from January 26 to March 27, 2027, with a press night on February 9. The creative team includes set designer Miriam Buether, costume designer Evie Gurney, lighting designer Jack Knowles, sound designer and composer Adam Cork, choreographer Hannes Langolf, and casting director Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG.
In April, the theatre presents Julie, a contemporary adaptation of August Strindberg’s Miss Julie. Directed by the Old Vic’s associate director Rebecca Frecknall—marking her first production in that role—the play stars Milly Alcock in the title role.
The production, which explores a destructive power struggle between a woman and her father’s employees, runs from April 10 to May 29, 2027. Originally produced by Internationaal Theater Amsterdam, the production features scenic design by Chloe Lamford, costumes by An D’Huys, lighting by Jack Knowles, sound by George Dennis, intimacy direction by Ingrid Mackinnon, and fight direction by Sam Lyon-Behan.
From June 15 to August 21, 2027, Goold will direct Assassins, the Tony-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman. The satire, which examines the lives of individuals who attempted to kill U.S. presidents, features set design by Chloe Lamford and casting by Bryony Jarvis-Taylor CDG.
The final announced production is Kohlhaas, a one-man show starring Arinzé Kene. Adapted by Marco Baliani and Remo Rostagno from Heinrich von Kleist’s 1810 novella, the play is translated and directed by Omar Elerian.
The production, a co-production with Brighton Festival, runs from August 27 to September 4, 2027. The creative team includes set and costume design by Ana Inés Jabares-Pita, lighting and smoke effects by Jackie Shemesh, and sound and composition by Matthew Herbert and Dan Pollard.
The first four shows in Rupert Goold’s inaugural Season as Artistic Director of the @oldvictheatre have been announced. Damian Lewis will star in 'Henry V' in January, followed in April with Milly Alcock playing the titular role in 'Julie', a contemporary new version of August… pic.twitter.com/6C2FhcHyeb
The theatre is expanding its infrastructure, including an ongoing partnership with Internationaal Theater Amsterdam to exchange artists and co-produce work. The venue has also launched an initiative for the Greene Studio, which will host work from three emerging directors: Sara Aniqah Malik, Yasmin Hafesji, and Roberta Zuric.
To support younger audiences, the Old Vic has introduced the ‘Old Vic New Rush’ scheme. This program offers £20 front-row tickets to individuals under 30, available for the first five previews of every main-house show. Executive Director Laura Stevenson highlighted that these efforts follow the recent opening of the theatre’s Backstage building, which provides dedicated spaces for community programs and artists.
Breaking: The Old Vic announces 2027 season, the first for Rupert Goold, with Damian Lewis, Milly Alcock, Arinzé Kene https://t.co/Yhzya1mBf8 pic.twitter.com/SazZT97aa5
Reflecting on the transition, Goold stated: Building on the fine work of Matthew Warchus, I hope this new era may find its inspiration from that marriage of tradition and contemporary daring that has characterised its glorious past.
Tickets for the 2027 season go on general sale on November 16, 2026, at 12pm, with priority booking for members available from 12pm on the day of the announcement.
Damian Lewis, Milly Alcock & Arinzé Kene Set For Stage Productions At London’s Old Vic https://t.co/piI2jKCPmn
