Today the Royal Court announces its 70th anniversary programme: honouring the past, celebrating the present, and shaping the future of theatre.
The announcement details an entire year of programming for 2026, with 12 productions across the venue’s two historic stages, alongside new national projects and partnerships to drive investment and ambition for the next decade of new writing in the UK.
JERWOOD THEATRE DOWNSTAIRS will host the European premiere of John Proctor is the Villain directed by Tony Award-winner Danya Taymor, direct from its smash-hit Broadway run.
Royal Court Theatre, Wagner Johnson Productions, Wessex Grove, Sonia Friedman Productions, Runyonland and John Mara Jr present:
John Proctor is the Villain
By Kimberly Belflower
Directed by Danya Taymor
Friday 20 March - Saturday 25 April 2026
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs
Press Night: Thursday 26 March 2026
‘One day, maybe, the new world we were promised will actually be new…’
Five young women running on pop music, optimism, and fury are about to shed light on the darkest secrets in their small town.
A story about girlhood, power, and questioning the narratives we’ve been taught.
Tony Award-winner Danya Taymor (The Outsiders) directs Kimberly Belflower’s bitingly funny, fresh take on Arthur Miller’s The Crucible.
Danya Taymor and Kimberly Belflower say: “We are thrilled and honored to bring John Proctor is the Villain to the iconic Royal Court Theatre where so many brilliant and audacious artists have created. It feels like special witchcraft that Arthur Miller’s The Crucible also made its English debut at the Royal Court exactly 70 years ago, and we can’t wait to present our production on the very same stage.”