Oscar-winner Jessie Buckley swaps Hollywood pay for a £140 day rate in the Royal Court's star-studded new season

Jessie Buckley, who has commanded Hollywood salaries for films including 'Men' and 'The Lost Daughter', will take just £140 a day to star in 'Afterbirth', a new play by Nina Segal opening at the Royal Court in January 2028. The Royal Court has unveiled the first part of its 2027 season, which includes six world premieres and a major Broadway transfer, under artistic director David Byrne. Tobias Menzies and V, formerly Eve Ensler, will star in 'The Apology', directed by Simon McBurney, while Olivier Award-winner Juliet Stevenson leads domestic thriller 'The Briar Patch' from May 2027.

The season opens with the European premiere of 'Purpose' by Pulitzer and Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, directed by Phylicia Rashad.

Byrne called it 'the most thrilling season we could imagine' after three years as artistic director and the theatre's 70th anniversary year.

'The Apology', which explores sexual violence and atonement, features set design by Es Devlin.