National Theatre rounds out cast for The Story’s UK premiere

Exclusive: Full casting has been announced for the UK premiere of Tracey Scott Wilson’s newsroom drama The Story.

Directed by Clint Dyer, the production marks the UK debut of Wilson’s play, which was first produced in New York in 2003. It was a finalist for the 2002 Susan Smith Blackburn Prize.

The play follows four journalists competing to break a major story after a white teacher is killed in a Black neighbourhood. As new evidence emerges, each must confront the personal and ethical compromises they are willing to make in pursuit of the truth.

The show will run in the National Theatre’s Olivier theatre from 27 August to 24 October 2026.

Previously announced casting includes Letitia Wright, who makes her National Theatre debut as ambitious reporter Yvonne. She is joined by Aliyah Odoffin as Latisha, Ashley Thomas as Neil, Lorraine Toussaint as Pat and Wilf Scolding as Jeff.

Newly announced principal casting includes Antonia Bernath as Jessica Dunn, Josh Goulding as Tim Dunn, Jay Simpson as Detective and Unique Spencer as Adrienne.

They join ensemble company members Arianne Carless, Roland Royal III and Matt Whitchurch, alongside previously announced cast members Tee Arnold, Donna Augustin, Reanna Bleu, Katie Buchholz and Linseigh Green.

Dyer said: “In a time of little nuance, the cost of a ‘story’ is felt… This timely, important play by Tracey Scott Wilson fearlessly talks into why we should always fight for the truth. I can’t wait to work with this incredible cast and creative team to bring The Story to the Olivier stage this autumn.”

The creative team includes set designer Anna Fleischle, costume designer Natalie Pryce, lighting designer Paul Anderson, sound designer Benjamin Grant, movement director Lucie Pankhurst, co-video designers Gino Ricardo Green and Tal Yarden, intimacy director Ingrid Mackinnon, casting directors Alastair Coomer and Martin Poile, dialect coach Hazel Holder, voice coach Cathleen McCarron and staff director Emily Aboud.