Bush Theatre confirms new shows for 2026 season

The Bush Theatre has announced further productions for its 2026 season, the final programme curated by outgoing artistic director Lynette Linton.

The line-up includes four new productions, two in the venue’s larger Holloway Theatre and two in the Studio, alongside the announcement of a new Bush Young Company cohort and a local community partnership.

In the Holloway Theatre, the Bush will partner with Tara Theatre on Sweetmeats, a new play by Karim Khan directed by Tara Theatre’s artistic director Natasha Kathi-Chandra. The piece follows two South Asian elders who form an unexpected connection through shared experiences of health and longing. It runs from 7 February to 21 March 2026.

Following that is Heart Wall by Kit Withington, a Bush Writers’ Group alumnus. Directed by Bush associate director Katie Greenall and co-commissioned with Oldham Coliseum, the play explores the ways families handle loss and memory. It runs from 7 April to 16 May 2026.

In the Studio, Farah Najib makes her Bush debut with Maggots, directed by Jess Barton and produced by Jessie Anand Productions. The play follows residents in a deteriorating building who confront isolation and connection amid growing decay. It runs from 27 January to 28 February 2026.

Later in the year, I’m Not Being Funny by Piers Black will be presented by Prentice Productions. Directed by Bryony Shanahan, the play centres on a couple testing their relationship while writing stand-up material together. It runs from 7 May to 6 June 2026.

These join previously announced productions including After Sunday by Sophia Griffin, a co-production with Belgrade Theatre Coventry, and The Horse of Jenin by Alaa Shehada, presented with the Palestine Comedy Club.

Incoming artistic director Taio Lawson said: “It is an honour to oversee the rest of Lynette’s programming. It feels more important than ever that the Bush continues its proud tradition of finding, developing, and platforming writers and practitioners who strive to create resonant and affecting experiences for our audiences.”

The Bush has also announced a new cohort for its Bush Young Company, a two-year development programme for 18 to 25-year-olds. The company provides training and opportunities to create original work for the Bush stage.

Additionally, the theatre will partner with Pursuing Independent Paths (PiP) as part of its Local Partnership Scheme, led by artist collective Spare Tyre. The collaboration will culminate in a public performance at the Bush.

Tickets for the new season are priced from £15 and are on sale from noon today.