The RSC has also announced that it will stage King Lear in 2016, as a companion piece to its imminent production of Arthur Miller's Death of a Salesman, both of which are to be directed by Gregory Doran and star Antony Sher as both Willy Loman and King Lear.
The RSC marks the 600th anniversary of Agincourt (which took place Oct. 25, 1415) by staging Henry V, beginning performances Sept. 12 prior to an official opening Sept. 22 in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, for a run through Oct. 25. It will be screened as part of the Live from Stratford-upon-Avon season to cinemas and schools on Oct. 21.
Gregory Doran will direct Alex Hassell, who played Prince Hal in Henry IV Parts I & II, as King Henry V, the monarch who led England to victory in the Battle of Agincourt. The production will be designed by Stephen Brimson Lewis, with lighting by Tim Mitchell, music by Paul Englishby and sound by Martin Slavin.
Jonathan Munby's production of Wendy & Peter Pan, adapted from the novel of the same name by J.M Barrie by Ella Hickson, will be revived, beginning performances Nov. 17 prior to an official opening Nov. 25 in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, for a run through Jan. 31, 2016. It is designed by Colin Richmond and lit by Oliver Fenwick.
In the Swan Theatre, deputy artistic director Erica Whyman will direct Marina Carr's Hecuba, beginning performances Sept. 17 prior to an official opening Sept. 24 for a run through Oct. 17. According to press materials, Carr reimagines Euripides’ Hecuba through many voices in a visceral new play. Also in the Swan, Selina Cadell will direct the RSC's first-ever production of Congreve's Love for Love, beginning performances Oct. 28 prior to an official opening Nov. 4, for a run through Jan. 22. In this restoration comedy, love for love is stronger than love for money. Valentine, Sir Sampson’s dissolute eldest son, finds himself at a standstill; the only way out of his financial difficulties is to give in to his father's pressure to sign over his right of inheritance to his younger brother. Seeing a chance to escape his debtors, Valentine accepts the deal, but, fearing he will now be spurned by his beloved Angelica, takes drastic action to ensure he retains what is rightfully his.
The production will be designed by Tom Piper, with costumes by Rosalind Ebbutt, lighting by Vince Herbert and sound by Claire Windsor.
Helen Edmundson's Queen Anne will premiere in the Swan, beginning performances Nov. 19 prior to an official opening Nov. 26, for a run through Jan. 23. Natalie Abrahami directs this RSC commission, which explores the relationship between Queen Anne and the Duchess of Marlborough.
Priority booking opens Feb. 25, with members and associate booking to follow. Public booking opens March 1. To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 800 1110 or visit www.rsc.org.uk.
