Anne-Marie Duff is one of the finest stage actors working today. Best known to millions for her role in Bad Sisters on Apple TV+, she returns to the National Theatre this autumn in Some Woman – a new play by Helen Edmundson that asks what happens when an ordinary woman, overlooked at work and at home, finally decides she’s had enough.
Some Woman runs in the Dorfman Theatre – the National Theatre’s most intimate stage – from 7 October to 21 November 2026. If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know, including how to turn your theatre trip into a proper evening out.
What is Some Woman at the National Theatre about?
Julie Robson is used to being overlooked. At work, at home, everywhere in between. But when an encounter on a station platform goes wrong and all eyes are suddenly on her, something shifts. She feels compelled to make a stand.
Written by Helen Edmundson – whose adaptation of Small Island for the National Theatre was one of the most acclaimed productions of recent years – and directed by Blanche McIntyre, Some Woman is a sharp, provocative drama about what it takes for an ordinary woman to find her voice and refuse to be quiet.
Who is in Some Woman?
Anne-Marie Duff plays Julie, the central character. She is one of Britain’s most celebrated stage and screen actors, Olivier Award-nominated for her role as Joan of Arc in Saint Joan at the National Theatre and winner of the BAFTA Television Award for Best Supporting Actress for Bad Sisters in 2023. Her return to the National Theatre stage for Some Woman makes this one of the most anticipated productions of the autumn.
The creative team behind Some Woman at the National Theatre
Writer: Helen Edmundson (Small Island, NT)
Director: Blanche McIntyre (Tartuffe, NT)
Booking details and ticket prices
Some Woman plays in the Dorfman Theatre at the National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX.
Dates: 7 October – 21 November 2026
Ticket prices:
- Monday to Thursday evenings and matinees: £20, £47, £59, £78
- Friday and Saturday evenings and matinees: £25, £47, £59, £78
- Previews (7-12 October): £20, £30, £41, £51
- A £4 booking fee per order applies to phone and online bookings (free for National Theatre members)
Early evening performances
Certain performances start at 6:30pm rather than the standard evening time – useful if you’re combining the show with dinner or drinks nearby:
- Thursday 22 October – 6:30pm
- Tuesday 3 November – 6:30pm
- Thursday 12 November – 6:30pm
- Tuesday 17 November – 6:30pm
Accessible performances
The National Theatre offers a range of accessible performances for Some Woman:
- Captioned: Thursday 29 October 7:30pm and Saturday 14 November 2:30pm
- BSL Interpreted: Wednesday 4 November 7:30pm
- Audio Described: Saturday 24 October 2:30pm and Friday 20 November 7:30pm (each preceded by a Touch Tour 90 minutes before – call 020 7452 3961 to book)
- Relaxed: Thursday 19 November 7:30pm
Please note: smart caption glasses are not available for Some Woman.
Making a full evening of it
Some Woman at the National Theatre is the kind of play that gives you things to talk about. The Dorfman is an intimate space – you’ll leave close to the action and close to what you’ve just seen – and that makes it perfect for continuing the conversation somewhere nearby.
We’re Draughts – a board game bar and restaurant close to the South Bank. If you’re coming to Some Woman you can make a proper evening of it: arrive early, grab food, play a game before the show. Or if you’re catching a matinee or an early evening performance, come to us after. We have over 1,000 board games, food served to the table, and no time limit. It’s the kind of place where the conversation about what you just saw can go somewhere – and if it stalls, someone’ll suggest a game.
Board games for fans of Some Woman
Some Woman is a play about power, voice, and what happens when an ordinary person decides not to be invisible any more. These games touch the same nerves:
- Coup – a sharp bluffing game about power, deception and survival. Everyone starts as just some ordinary person and has to outwit everyone else to stay in the game. Quick, ruthless and very replayable.
- The Resistance – social deduction where ordinary players try to identify the corrupt forces working against them. For groups who like to argue about who’s really trustworthy.
- Codenames – team word association that rewards the people who notice what others miss. Two teams, two spymasters, and a lot of reading between the lines.
- Pandemic – cooperative. Everyone working together against something far bigger than any one person. Surprisingly tense for a game built on collaboration.
- Mysterium – one player communicates through dreamlike illustrated vision cards while the others try to solve a murder. Atmospheric, narrative-driven, and unlike almost anything else we have.
Frequently asked questions about Some Woman at the National Theatre
Where is Some Woman playing?
Some Woman is playing in the Dorfman Theatre at the National Theatre, South Bank, London SE1 9PX.
When does Some Woman run at the National Theatre?
Some Woman runs from Wednesday 7 October to Saturday 21 November 2026, with preview performances from 7-12 October.
Who stars in Some Woman at the National Theatre?
Anne-Marie Duff plays Julie Robson, the central character. She is widely known for her BAFTA-winning role in Bad Sisters (Apple TV+) and for her extensive stage career, including an Olivier Award nomination for Saint Joan at the National Theatre.
Who wrote Some Woman?
Some Woman is a new play by Helen Edmundson, whose previous National Theatre credits include the widely acclaimed adaptation of Small Island. It is directed by Blanche McIntyre, whose production of Tartuffe also played at the NT.
What is Some Woman about?
Some Woman follows Julie Robson, a woman used to being overlooked at work, at home and everywhere in between. When an encounter on a station platform goes wrong and all eyes are suddenly on her, something shifts – and she decides to make a stand. The play asks what happens when an ordinary woman refuses to be quiet.
What is the Dorfman Theatre?
The Dorfman is the National Theatre’s most intimate stage, seating around 400 people in a flexible studio configuration. Productions here tend to be more experimental and close-up than the large-scale Olivier and mid-size Lyttelton. For Some Woman, the Dorfman’s intimacy is well-matched to the personal, character-driven nature of the story.
How much are tickets for Some Woman?
Monday to Thursday: £20, £47, £59 and £78. Friday and Saturday: £25, £47, £59 and £78. Previews (7-12 October): £20, £30, £41 and £51. A £4 booking fee per order applies, which is waived for National Theatre members.
Are there accessible performances of Some Woman?
Yes. Captioned performances are on Thursday 29 October at 7:30pm and Saturday 14 November at 2:30pm. BSL Interpreted is on Wednesday 4 November at 7:30pm. Audio Described performances are on Saturday 24 October at 2:30pm and Friday 20 November at 7:30pm, each preceded by a Touch Tour (book via 020 7452 3961). A Relaxed performance takes place on Thursday 19 November at 7:30pm. Smart caption glasses are not available for this production.
Are there early evening performances?
Yes. Some performances start at 6:30pm: Thursday 22 October, Tuesday 3 November, Thursday 12 November and Tuesday 17 November.
Is Some Woman at the National Theatre suitable for children?
Some Woman is a provocative adult drama dealing with themes of power, being overlooked and making a stand. The National Theatre hasn’t published a minimum age recommendation but the themes are best suited to adult audiences or older teenagers. Check the NT website for any content guidance closer to opening night.
How do I get to the Dorfman Theatre?
The National Theatre is on the South Bank, London SE1 9PX. The nearest tube stations are Waterloo (Jubilee, Bakerloo, Northern and Waterloo & City lines) and Southwark (Jubilee line). It is a short walk from Waterloo station along the South Bank.
Can I be late to Some Woman?
No – the National Theatre states that latecomers may not be admitted. Arrive at least 20-30 minutes before the performance starts to collect tickets and find your seat.
Where can I eat or drink near the National Theatre?
The National Theatre has several options including the Lasdun Restaurant, Forza Wine and The Understudy bar. If you’re looking for something different before or after the show, Draughts is a board game bar and restaurant with over 1,000 games, food served to the table and no time limit. We’re a great way to start or end an evening at the theatre – book a table in advance, particularly at weekends.
