New Timberlake Wertenbaker play 'The Animals Come to the Table' to premiere at the Globe

The Animals Come to the Table is the latest piece of new writing to open at Shakespeare’s Globe, following in the footsteps of Hakawatis: Women of the Arabian Nights (2022), Princess Essex (2024), Pinocchio (2025), and Deep Azure (2026).

A new Timberlake Wertenbaker play will premiere at Shakespeare's Globe as part of its 2026-27 winter season. The Animals Come to the Table will begin performances in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse on 11 December, running through 24 January 2027.

The Animals Come to the Table is the latest piece of new writing to open at Shakespeare’s Globe, following in the footsteps of Hakawatis: Women of the Arabian Nights (2022), Princess Essex (2024), Pinocchio (2025), and Deep Azure (2026). The play follows animals as they summon humanity to the negotiating table to bring an end to exploitation and ecological destruction.

Wertenbaker said: “I believe theatre is the perfect place to explore complex subjects where the answers aren’t easy and we can see different points of view. The more I learned about animal communication the more fascinated I was by what the animals might have to say to us and the Playhouse is such a mysterious and magical space, I felt anything could happen there.”

Shakespeare’s Globe Artistic Director Michelle Terry said: “Timberlake Wertenbaker is one of our greatest living playwrights. When she writes a new play, you take notice and we must certainly take notice of this one, and the questions it raises about nature, human nature, and our shared future. We are so proud to premiere this vital play by this most extraordinary of playwrights in one of the greatest playhouses in the world."

Globe Associate Artist Hannah Khalil will also bring Cardboard Adventures’ MakeBeth to the Globe as part of its UK tour. Performances will run from 24 October – 1 November. The show, which will use recycled cardboard from each theatre venue on the tour to create the set, is designed by Sam Wilde and directed by Ian Nicholson.

Khalil said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Makebeth is coming to Shakespeare’s Globe. Designer, and brains behind Cardboard Adventures, Sam Wilde and I worked together on The Fir Tree at the Globe a few years ago and it’s a joy to be collaborating with him again on another sustainable family show. Director Ian Nicholson and the talented cast have made something magical. Audiences in schools and theatres across the country have already been getting crafty for this joyous piece, now it’s the Globe audience’s turn and they are in for a treat!”

The full 2026-27 winter season is yet to be announced.

Check back for The Animals Come to the Table tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: The Animals Come to the Table artwork. (Courtesy of production)