National Theatre Opens Casting Call for 'Iconic Musical' Heading to the South Bank in 2027

The National Theatre has issued a casting call for what it describes as an "iconic musical," with online applications open now and auditions planned for this autumn. The production will form part of the National's 2027 season, full details of which will be revealed in September. (WhatsOnStage)

The call, posted on the theatre's social channels, asks for performers with exceptional acting, dancing and singing skills. Applicants must be brilliant singers and actors, hold a very high level of dance training or experience, and be over 18 by September 2027. They must also be available for the full engagement window: the start of September 2027 through to the end of March 2028. (WhatsOnStage)

Which musical it is remains under wraps. The National has confirmed only that a major musical production will be part of the 2027 season, with specifics to come in next month's announcement. The six-month availability window gives a sense of the commitment expected — a run of roughly half a year, possibly longer if the show extends.

The 2027 season is already taking shape. Two repertory productions starring Paul Mescal are slated, alongside a new show from Punchdrunk, the immersive-theatre company whose work places audiences inside the world of the performance rather than in traditional seating. Adding a large-scale musical to that mix signals the National's continued investment in the form, building on a track record that includes recent hits like "Hadestown" and "The Witches." (WhatsOnStage)

For performers, the stakes are real. A National Theatre credit carries weight in British theatre — the South Bank venue is one of the country's most prominent stages, publicly funded and closely watched by critics, casting directors and audiences alike. A musical mounted there can transfer to the West End or Broadway, as "Hadestown" did. The casting call's emphasis on triple-threat talent — acting, singing and dancing at a professional level — narrows the field considerably.

The National's wider reach extends beyond its main stages. Its year-long schools programme, "The Next Morning," reached more than 11,500 young people across England through partnerships with 17 venues, the theatre confirmed. (National Theatre)

Interested performers can apply online, and the National's casting department can be reached directly at casting@nationaltheatre.org.uk. (National Theatre)

Full season details — including the identity of the musical — are expected when the National announces its 2027 programme in September.