The National Theatre, together with the Roald Dahl Story Company, has today announced a new production of Roald Dahl’s The Witches for their Winter 2023 season. The Witches is a rip-roaring musical version of Roald Dahl’s timeless tale, filled with wit, daring and heart.

This exciting new adaptation of The Witches will play in the Olivier Theatre from November, written by Olivier Award-winner Lucy Kirkwood and Tony Award-nominee Dave Malloy.

The production is directed by Lyndsey Turner, hot off the back of her Olivier Award nominated production of The Crucible for the National Theatre earlier this year.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE PRODUCTION

Everything you know about witches is wrong. Forget the pointy hats and broomsticks: they’re the most dangerous creatures on earth. And now they’ve come up with their most evil plan yet.

The only thing standing in their way is Luke and his Gran. But he’s ten and she’s got a dodgy heart. Time is short, danger is everywhere, and they’ve got just one chance to stop the witches from squalloping every stinking little child in England.

A firm fan favourite across the generations, The Witches is a brilliant blend of Roald Dahl’s trademark humour and hair-raising action, featuring the iconic villain The Grand High Witch.

Cast includes three-time Olivier-nominated Katherine Kingsley (The Larkins) as the Grand High Witch and BAFTA Award-winner Daniel Rigby (One Man, Two Guvnors) as Mr Stringer.

Rufus Norris, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of the National Theatre has said: ‘I’m thrilled that the National Theatre and Roald Dahl Story Company are coming together for the first time to bring one of Dahl’s most enduring stories to the Olivier stage. This extraordinary production with Lucy Kirkwood’s brilliant, witty book and Lyndsey Turner’s ambitious vision is the culmination of many years of development with our exceptional New Work Department. With Dave Malloy at the musical helm, I couldn’t be more excited to be bringing this innovative piece of music theatre to fruition.’

CAST AND PRODUCTION TEAM

Book and lyrics by Lucy Kirkwood, music by Dave Malloy, Director - Lyndsey Turner, Set and Costume Designer - Lizzie Clachan, Choreographer - Stephen Mear, Music Supervisor - Nigel Lilley, Music Director - Cat Beveridge, Lighting Designer - Bruno Poet, Co-Sound Designers - Alexander Caplen and Ian Dickinson, Video Designer - Ash J Woodward, Illusions by Chris Fisher and Will Houstoun, Casting Director - Bryony Jarvis-Taylor, Associate Director - Séimí Campbell, Staff Director Priya Patel Appleby, Associate Set Designer - Shankho Chaudhuri, Associate Costume Designer - Johanna Coe, Associate Choreographer - Jo Morris, Associate Music Director - Natalie Pound, Children’s and Assistant Music Director - Sarah Morrison

Cast includes Katherine Kingsley, Daniel Rigby, Julie Armstrong, Chrissie Bhima, Zoe Birkett, Daniele Coombe, Molly-May Gardiner, Tiffany Graves, Tania Mathurin, Jacob Maynard, Laura Medforth and Ben Redfern.

The Witches will play in the Olivier theatre from 7 November and is recommended for ages 8+. Tickets are on sale now on the National Theatre's website, so make sure you snap one up before any pesky witches snap you up!