U.K. theatre group Wise Children has rebranded as Emma Rice Company, effective immediately. News of the change actually secretly broke late last week with the announcement of a North American premiere for the company's North By Northwest, set for San Diego's Old Globe next year.

And that upcoming premiere is just part of a new slate of programming the company is unveiling alongside the name change. The company will partner with Theatre Royal Bath for a three-year partnership, The Director's Cut. The scheme will see some of Rice's previous works coming back for revivals, beginning with Malory Towers in May 2026 and Tristan & Yseult in September 2026. Both productions, along with the rest of the Director's Cut offerings, will tour the U.K. after their Theatre Royal Bath bows.

The company is also working on a new title, an adaptation of Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales. Adapted and directed by Rice, the production will play The Lucky Chance November 25-December 21. The production will feature music by Ian Ross. Opening night will be November 27.

“We haven’t taken this decision lightly as we’ve truly loved being Wise Children!," says Rice in a statement. "I carry the book in my heart, and its spirit will always be at the center of the company’s ethos and story. However, the need for change has become compelling, and we are nothing if not brave and smart.

“We’ve been forced to admit that the name we love so much is not helping us communicate the kind of work we make. We cannot keep explaining to partners near and far that we are not a children’s company! We also have exciting plans to celebrate and remount some of my past work, from my glorious time at Kneehigh, and less glorious time at Shakespeare’s Globe. It’s time to join the dots, tell the big story, and bring all these wonderful chapters together under the simple and authentic banner: Emma Rice Company. I couldn’t be prouder."

“It is an enormous privilege for Theatre Royal Bath and its audiences to collaborate with the Emma Rice Company in this way," adds Theatre Royal Bath Director Danny Moar. "We look forward to two great productions opening with us in 2026 with more to come in the years ahead."

Visit EmmaRiceCompany.co.uk.