As part of the collaborative venture, Richard III will be hitting the stage at Oxford Playhouse, May 14 to May 25.
John Haidar directs Tom Mothersdale as Shakespeare’s most notorious and complex villain, Richard III. This inventive new staging is a co-production between Headlong, Alexandra Palace and Bristol Old Vic, with Royal & Derngate Northampton and Oxford Playhouse.
After decades of civil war, the nation hangs in the balance. Enter Richard, Duke of Gloucester, to change the course of history. Richard was not born to be a king, but he’s set his sights on the crown. So begins his campaign of deceit, manipulation and violence – and he’s killing it.
Yet, behind his ambition lies a murderous desire to be loved.
The innovative staging is matched by an innovative co-producing model which sees Richard III open at the recently redeveloped Bristol Old Vic before transferring to London’s newly restored Alexandra Palace, which has been closed to the public for 80 years. Following the completion of its three-year East Wing Restoration Project, Richard III will be Alexandra Palace’s first ever co-production. It will then return to Bristol for a further two full playing weeks before travelling to Home in Manchester, Oxford Playhouse and Royal & Derngate Northampton.
Full casting will be announced shortly.
Jeremy Herrin, Artistic Director of Headlong, said: “Headlong is delighted to present Shakespeare’s enduringly vivid and pertinent enquiry into power. The production promises to be an investigation of the mind of a tyrant; and with Tom Mothersdale in the title role, and directed by the talented John Haidar, it promises to be a deeply engaging event.
“It’s so wonderful to be returning to Bristol Old Vic to continue our joyous association, and to work for the first time with the admirable Royal and Derngate, Northampton; and before happily returning to Headlong’s roots at Oxford Playhouse, it will be an honour to be the first show at the gloriously refurbished Alexandra Palace.
“Headlong has always backed the boldest of a new generation of directors and I’m delighted to be able to do so with such a stellar cast and creative team, with one of the best political plays, in the most appropriately atmospheric spaces in the country.”
Laura Elliot, Programme Director, Oxford Playhouse said: “We are delighted to be associate producers on what we know will be an exhilarating new version of Richard III with a stunning cast and creative team. Headlong have over a 40 year history with Oxford Playhouse, with their roots as Oxford Stage Company and we are thrilled to be partnering with them again as part of our theatre’s 80th birthday celebrations.”
For further information visit www.oxfordplayhouse.com