Wretch 32, Judi Dench and Ian McKellen headline landmark events at the National Theatre
The National Theatre has announced two major one-night-only events this autumn, uniting fresh artistic voices with the enduring giants of British stage. As part of its “Next Chapter” season under new director Indhu Rubasingham, the theatre opens its doors to both new energy and legendary talent.
On 23 October, acclaimed rapper and poet Wretch 32 will make his National Theatre debut with HOME?, a live theatrical adaptation of his searing, genre-defying album. Directed by associate artist Clint Dyer, the performance promises a potent blend of spoken word, dance, and drama, exploring Black British identity, belonging, and legacy. Performed on the Olivier stage, it marks a striking crossover of music and theatre—one that underscores Rubasingham’s ambition to expand the definition of who gets to stand centre stage.
Then, on 19 December, two titans of the British stage—Judi Dench and Ian McKellen—return to the NT for a rare joint appearance. In conversation with fellow actor and longtime friend Jim Carter, the pair will reflect on six decades of stage and screen, sharing stories, insights, and perhaps, as Dench mischievously hints, “being a little bit naughty together.”
Both events exemplify the ethos behind Rubasingham’s inaugural programme: bridging the legacy of the past with the urgency of the present. “We want to welcome a broad spectrum of artists and audiences alike,” she says, “from Wretch 32 to acting legends who have shaped our history.”
If HOME? is a bold act of theatrical reinvention, then Dench and McKellen’s reunion is a rare glimpse into an era of British performance that continues to shape its future.
Booking opens at 10am on Friday 12 September for Wretch 32: HOME?, and Friday 19 September for Judi Dench & Ian McKellen in conversation with Jim Carter.
More information at nationaltheatre.org.uk
Elena Leo is the Arts & Lifestyle Editor of Ikon London Magazine.
