John Major's Rise to Power Subject of New National Theatre Play

The National Theatre in London will premiere a new play by James Graham focusing on the political rise of John Major, charting his journey from a relatively obscure parliamentary whip to the position of Prime Minister. This production is part of a larger season at the National Theatre that will feature eight world premieres, with a central theme of global conflict and political upheaval.

The play, titled 'Major', reunites writer James Graham with director Jeremy Herrin. Herrin previously directed Graham's acclaimed parliamentary drama 'This House'. The narrative of 'Major' is set to explore a pivotal moment in British history, specifically the nation's evolving relationship with Europe during Major's premiership. John Major served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from November 1990 to May 1997, succeeding Margaret Thatcher. His tenure was marked by significant events, including the Maastricht Treaty negotiations and the subsequent UK's opt-out from certain aspects of the treaty, as well as economic challenges and the early stages of the Northern Ireland peace process.

James Graham is a playwright known for his works that delve into British political history and institutions. His previous play, 'This House', examined the inner workings of the House of Commons during the 1970s, a period of significant political turbulence. The National Theatre, located on the South Bank of the River Thames, is one of the United Kingdom's three flagship publicly funded national theatres. It is renowned for its diverse programming, which includes new plays, classic revivals, and international productions, often staging works that engage with contemporary social and political issues.

The upcoming season at the National Theatre, which includes 'Major', will present a total of eight new plays. The overarching focus on political upheaval and global conflict suggests a thematic coherence across these new works, aiming to reflect and comment on the current international landscape and historical precedents of societal and governmental change. The inclusion of a play about John Major's ascent to power highlights the theatre's commitment to exploring significant figures and moments in British political history, offering audiences a dramatic interpretation of leadership transitions and their broader implications.