Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad stage adaptation to be revived

York Theatre Royal has announced a new production of The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood, adapted from her novella of the same name.

The production marks the first major UK revival of the stage version since its premiere at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2007, a co-production between the Royal Shakespeare Company and Canada’s National Arts Centre.

The retelling of The Odyssey will be directed by Juliet Forster and runs from 10 to 24 October 2026, with a press performance on 14 October.

The story revisits the myth from Penelope’s perspective as she waits for Odysseus to return from the Trojan War. Narrating from the underworld, Penelope recounts her version of events alongside a chorus of maids, exploring themes of injustice and loyalty. The stage adaptation by Atwood was her first work written for theatre.

Atwood is the author of novels including The Handmaid’s Tale, Alias Grace and The Testaments. Her novella The Penelopiad was first published in 2005 before being adapted for the stage in 2007.

Priority booking opens for members on 23 February at 1pm, with general booking opening on 28 February at 1pm.