The Barn Theatre in Cirencester has unveiled key productions for its 2026 Built by Barn season, featuring Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn’s Yes, Prime Minister and Rick Elice and Roger Rees’ Double Double. These upcoming shows revisit sharp political satire and intriguing inheritance drama.

The Barn Theatre’s 2026 season includes Double Double, running from 28 April to 30 May with a national press night on 30 April. This production commemorates 40 years since the play’s debut at the Fortune Theatre in 1986. Double Double tells the story of Philippa, whose husband Richard dies shortly before his 37th birthday, a deadline attached to a £2 million inheritance. In an effort to claim the money, Philippa seeks Richard’s double, Duncan, to pose as her late husband.

Yes, Prime Minister will follow from 28 August to 3 October, with a national press night on 1 September. Written by Antony Jay and Jonathan Lynn, this play continues the narrative from the Barn’s staging of I’m Sorry, Prime Minister, which is currently running at the Apollo Theatre in London’s West End. The plot focuses on Prime Minister Jim Hacker as he handles political and economic issues while managing his complicated relationship with civil servant Sir Humphrey Appleby.

Key moments in Yes, Prime Minister include negotiations over a loan and inner-government conflicts, demonstrating the enduring appeal of its incisive political wit. Tickets for both Double Double and Yes, Prime Minister have been made available to members, with general sales starting on 12 February.

The Barn Theatre continues its commitment to staging works that blend political themes with comedy and human drama. The inclusion of these two plays reflects an ongoing interest in exploring political power and personal schemes through theatrical storytelling.