The full company joining Andrew Barth Feldman in the new musical Nero has been announced ahead of the production’s run at Southwark Playhouse in late 2026. The show explores the young Nero’s ambitions before becoming Rome’s infamous emperor.

The new musical Nero, featuring book and lyrics by Steven Sater and music by Duncan Sheik, will open at Southwark Playhouse Elephant from 2 November to 5 December 2026, with a press night on 6 November. The production is directed by Lindsay Posner.

Andrew Barth Feldman, known for his work on stage and screen, will lead the cast as Nero. Alongside him, Stephen Carlile will portray Seneca and Sally Dexter will play Agrippina. Nabi Brown takes the role of Octavia, Waylon Jacobs plays Tigellinus, and Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky appears as Poppea.

The ensemble also includes Timo Tatzber as Britannicus and Liam Wrate as Narcissus, supported by Izzy Formby-Jackson, Jodie Knight, Rory Maguire, Zach Parkin, and Amy Punter. The show focuses on Nero’s artistic ambitions before his ascent to power.

Nero is created by the team behind the award-winning Spring Awakening, with Sater and Sheik collaborating once again for book, lyrics and music. The production reflects a historical period with a fresh perspective on the emperor’s earlier life.

Choreography is by James Cousins, with Phil Bateman overseeing music supervision, vocal arrangement, and co-orchestration alongside musical director Ben McQuigg. The design team includes Georgia Lowe for sets, Robbie Butler on lighting, and Tony Gayle handling sound.

The production is produced by SeenSee Company and Park Myung Sung, with Lambert Jackson managing general operations. The extensive creative team features specialists in casting, associate direction, choreography, costume, props, and makeup, ensuring a detailed staging.

Nero’s arrival at Southwark Playhouse adds to the growing trend of new musicals examining historical figures through a contemporary lens, highlighting lesser-known facets of their stories with fresh musical storytelling.