The RSC’s critically acclaimed production of Titus Andronicus, directed by Max Webster, transfers to Hampstead Theatre for a strictly limited run this Autumn with Olivier, Tony and BAFTA award-winner Simon Russell Beale returning to the title role.

Direct from a hugely successful run in Stratford-upon-Avon the ‘brutally powerful’ (Telegraph) and ‘thrilling’ (WhatsonStage) production will play Hampstead Theatre from Friday 5 September to Saturday 11 October. Priority booking opens for Hampstead Theatre Patrons and Friends Plus from Tuesday 1 July and Hampstead Theatre Friends and RSC Members from Thursday 3 July. Public booking opens on Friday 4 July.

Director Max Webster’s bold and brilliant production of Shakespeare’s bloodiest play is examined through the lens of 21st century aggression. When victorious general Titus Andronicus executes his enemy’s son in a merciless show of vengeance, he has no idea of the evil his actions will incite. As the two sides trade violent acts of retribution, one man revels in the bloodbath.

The production marks Simon Russell Beale’s return to Hampstead Theatre after his much-praised appearances in the sell-out productions of Tom Stoppard’s The Invention of Love and Mr Foote’s Other Leg. As part of Hampstead’s autumn season, Titus Andronicus will be followed by five new productions including the European premiere of The Assembled Parties by Richard Greenberg, the world premieres of The Billionaire Inside Your Head by Will Lord, Fatherland by Nancy Farino and A Ghost in Your Ear by Jamie Armitage and a major revival of Tom Stoppard’s Indian Ink starring Felicity Kendal.

Greg Ripley-Duggan, Producer and Chief Executive at Hampstead Theatre said:

“I am overjoyed that Hampstead Theatre will present Max Webster’s production of Titus Andronicus – it’s a truly special piece of theatre, fashioned by a creative team at the absolute top of their game, and it’ll be a thrill to host the extraordinary company of actors led by Simon Russell Beale. It’s great that Hampstead has been given the opportunity to welcome London audiences to this once-in-a-lifetime production of a play that is often disregarded, but is here rendered immediate and brilliantly relevant.”

RSC Co-Artistic Directors Tamara Harvey and Daniel Evans said:

“We are absolutely thrilled that Max Webster’s powerful production of Titus Andronicus will transfer to London following its acclaimed run in The Swan Theatre earlier this year. We are particularly delighted that Hampstead Theatre and London audiences will have the opportunity to welcome back Sir Simon Russell Beale, magnificent in the eponymous role.

“As one of Shakespeare’s first and bloodiest plays, Titus Andronicus continues to compel and horrify us in equal measure with its audacious blend of brutality, gallows humour and hot-blooded intensity. In Max Webster’s production, we see Shakespeare’s study of state-sponsored violence and inter-generational retribution bought sharply and tragically into focus for our times. We look forward to sharing its visceral power with London audiences.”

Also returning to the production alongside the ‘sublime’ (Guardian) Simon Russell Beale are: Emma Fielding as Marcia Andronicus and Wendy Kweh as Tamora. They are joined by Danny Collins (Martius / Messenger), Thomas Josling (Bassianus / Publius), Joel MacCormack (Lucius), Jerone Marsh-Reid (Alarbus / Leader of the Goths) and Sharita Oomeer (Nurse / Goth). Further casting is to be announced. 

Director Max Webster’s recent theatre credits include The Importance of Being Earnest (National Theatre), Macbeth (Harold Pinter / Donmar Warehouse) and Henry V (Donmar). His production of Life of Pi won 5 Olivier and 3 Tony Awards.

The creative team also includes set and costume designer, Joanna Scotcher, lighting designer, Lee Curan; composer, Matthew Herbert; sound designer, Tingying Dong; movement director, Jade Hackett; fight and intimacy directors, Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown; and casting director, Matthew Dewsbury CDG. The revival director is Kwame Owusu.

 

Titus Andronicus plays on the Main Stage from 5 September to 11 October.

BOOK TITUS ANDRONICUS HERE