Amelia Bullmore will take the lead role of Penelope in a new production of Margaret Atwood’s The Penelopiad at York Theatre Royal this autumn. The staging marks the first major UK revival of the play since its 2007 premiere.

Amelia Bullmore is set to return to the stage as Penelope in The Penelopiad, opening at York Theatre Royal from 10 October with performances extended to 31 October 2026. The press night is scheduled for 14 October, under the direction of Juliet Forster, the theatre’s creative director.

The production promises a blend of humour, darkness, and provocation, reflecting Atwood’s distinct writing style. Bullmore expressed her excitement about working at York Theatre Royal and described the play as “funny, dark, moving and provocative by turns,” highlighting its playful and direct connection with audiences.

Juliet Forster welcomed Bullmore to the project, remarking on the complexity of Penelope’s character in Atwood’s retelling and expressing confidence in Bullmore’s portrayal. Forster emphasised the anticipation to bring this compelling story to York audiences.

The Penelopiad originally debuted at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2007, presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company in collaboration with Canada’s National Arts Centre. York Theatre Royal’s upcoming staging is its first significant UK revival since that premiere.

The production team features Juliet Forster as director and Ellie Collyer-Bristow as casting director, with further casting details to be announced. The revival offers a renewed opportunity to revisit Atwood’s reinterpretation of a classical myth through a contemporary lens.

As interest in adaptations of Atwood’s work continues, this major revival contributes to the ongoing dialogue around classic stories reimagined for today’s stage.