First-look photos released for National Theatre's Cloud 9
The National Theatre has released first-look photographs of its new production of Cloud 9, Caryl Churchill's play, directed by Dominic Cooke. WhatsOnStage published the pictures on 9 November 2026. The photographs were taken by Johan Persson.
The play was first performed in 1979. It moves between Victorian Africa and 1970s London. The National Theatre says it deals with sexual politics, gender roles and imperial power dynamics.
The production is staged at the Lyttelton Theatre on the National's South Bank site in London. It runs from 2 November 2026 to 13 January 2027. A press performance is set for 10 November. Tickets are sold through the National Theatre's production page.
The cast list shows several actors playing more than one part. Rebecca Humphries plays Ellen, Mrs Saunders and Lin. Eloka Ivo plays Joshua and Gerry. Tom Mothersdale plays Harry Bagley and Martin. Charlotte Ritchie plays Maud and Victoria. Sam Troughton plays Clive and Cathy.
Ellen Robertson and Stuart Thompson are both listed against the roles of Edward and Betty. Each is credited with one of the two parts.
The National has also scheduled a Student Conference 2026 event built around Cooke's staging of the play, aimed at students studying it.
For anyone planning a visit, the key dates are the run itself, which closes on 13 January, and the press performance on 10 November. The theatre's listings give the full schedule and booking details.
