Kristin Scott Thomas plays the title role. With a TV and film career that spans French arthouse and Bafta-winning rom-coms to viral feminist speeches in Fleabag and Olivier-winning stage performances, Scott Thomas is a singular talent. This will be her first time treading the boards at the National Theatre, but after an intense take on Electra (Old Vic, 2015) she is in familiar territory with Greek tragedy. Scott Thomas stars opposite French-Moroccan actor Assaad Bouab.
Based on the ancient Greek myth as told by Euripides, Seneca and Racine, the play is updated and relocated to contemporary Britain, where Phaedra is a politician. The original tragedy follows Phaedra, a Cretan princess who marries King Theseus of Athens. When she falls in love with her stepson Hippolytus, Phaedra triggers a fatal cycle of rejection, revenge and lies.
Details about this new take on Phaedra are sparse: discussing the production in a radio interview, Scott Thomas said she was curious and excited to see what Simon Stone does with the story.
Further casting details, run dates and booking dates are yet to be announced.
| What | Phaedra, National Theatre |
| Where | National Theatre, South Bank, London, SE1 9PX | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Waterloo (underground) |
| When |
01 Dec 20 – 28 Feb 21, From December 2020; dates to be confirmed |
| Price | £20 - £89 |
| Website |
