National Theatre to stage The Odyssey in ‘epic, episodic’ retelling around UK

Parts to be staged in Stoke, Doncaster, Trowbridge and Sunderland in 2023 using local writers and amateur casts before finale in London

A retelling of The Odyssey, Homer's epic story of endurance and hope, is to be the centrepiece of a landmark project next year by the National Theatre in partnership with local artists and communities.

The production will be staged in episodes in Stoke-on-Trent, Doncaster, Trowbridge and Sunderland. Each of the four parts will be written by a local playwright, and performed by local people alongside professional actors.