3 October – 2 November

Opening just ahead of this year’s US election in a world where populist leaders are transforming the political landscape, The New Real explores the battle between mainstream politics and a new national-populist Right.

The full cast comprises: Daon Broni (Don/Justin), Edyta Budnik (Natalia), Ziggy Heath (Oleg), Roderick Hill (Petr Lutsevic), Patrycja Kujawska (Liudmilla Bezborodko), Martina Laird (Rachel Moss), Jodie McNee (Caro Wheeler), Lloyd Owen (Larry Yeates) and Sergo Vares (Zhudov).

Set during presidential elections in a former communist Eastern European country, The New Real sees two American political strategists engaged in a grudge match far from home, working for competing candidates, and redrawing the political faultline. They think they’ve come to teach the East how to do elections, but is the learning the other way around? And will what they’ve learned spread to Western Europe, Britain and America?

Edgar’s panoramic play explores the wider themes of how political and personal ideals are expressed, challenged and betrayed.

Talking about The New Real, David Edgar said:

“Following the success of Marine le Pen’s National Rally and other national-populist parties in mainland Europe, the rise of the Reform Party in Britain, and the possibility of a second Trump term, a play about the rise of national populism couldn’t be more timely. I’m delighted that the play is being premiered in Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey’s first season at the RSC, in the 50^th anniversary year of The Other Place, and directed by Headlong’s groundbreaking Artistic Director Holly Race Roughan. Critic Michael Billington described the original The Other Place as the most productive tin hut in history. I’m privileged that this will be the fifth of my plays to be premiered there.”

Director, Holly Race Roughan commented:

“It’s been such a privilege working with the legendary political playwright David Edgar on his fiercely timely new play. From my very first read, I was struck by its incisive examination of the intense political and cultural polarisation we’re all living through. The chance to stage it during a history-making year for international elections was irresistible. Through sharp characterisation, wit, and impeccable plotting, David has laid bare how the lines between truth and fiction have been blurred in the 21st Century’s pursuit of power, challenging our fundamental understanding of freedom and democracy. I’m thrilled to bring such a timely and thought-provoking story to life with such a tremendous cast in the newly re-configured The Other Place.”

The New Real is performed in traverse in the newly re-configured auditorium of The Other Place, with the audience sat on either side of the stage.

Cast and creatives

Photo credit: Hugo Glendinning