Sandra Oh's Misanthrope run brings star power to the National Theatre

Sandra Oh is leading a National Theatre production of The Misanthrope in London, with the run listed from 16 June to 1 August 2026. Theatre listings describe a sharp reimagining of Moliere's social satire, bringing a major international screen actor to one of the capital's most prominent stages.

The casting is a notable UK arts moment because it unites a globally recognised performer, a classic European text and a leading London venue under fresh artistic leadership.

A classic reimagined

Moliere's comedy skewers the hypocrisies of polite society, and the National Theatre's staging promises to sharpen that satire for a contemporary audience. The production places Oh at the centre of a text that has long rewarded actors willing to balance bite with vulnerability.

London Theatre listings and the National Theatre's own materials position the run as a marquee draw, the kind of booking that pulls new audiences toward the South Bank.

• The run is listed from 16 June to 1 August 2026
• It is staged at the National Theatre in London
• The production reimagines Moliere's social satire
• Sandra Oh leads the cast

Star power on the South Bank

Oh's involvement signals the pulling power of screen talent on the London stage, a recurring theme as theatres look to broaden their reach. Earlier Guardian coverage placed her within a high-profile, female-led National Theatre season.

“The story combines a major international screen actor, a classic European text and a prominent London stage under fresh artistic leadership.”

— Production summary

Background

The National Theatre has used its programming to spotlight a roster of leading performers, and Oh's run forms part of a season designed to draw attention and audiences. The choice of The Misanthrope offers a chance to reframe a centuries-old satire through a modern lens.

For London theatregoers, the production represents one of the summer's most anticipated tickets, blending star recognition with the prestige of the venue.

What happens next

As the run continues through to August, attention will turn to how critics and audiences respond to the staging and to Oh's interpretation. The production also offers an early test of the National Theatre's strategy under its current artistic direction.