London’s Almeida Theatre has unveiled its 2018–2019 season. The lineup includes Shakespeare’s The Tragedy of Richard the Second starring Simon Russell Beale; the world premiere of a new Anne Washburn play; Chekhov’s Three Sisters; a new version of Maxim Gorky’s Vassa, adapted by Mike Bartlett (King Charles III); and a world-premiere stage adaptation of the acclaimed Danish film The Hunt.
Kicking off the season in December will be The Tragedy of Richard the Second with Beale in the title role and direction by Joe Hill-Gibbins (Little Revolution at the Almeida; Absolute Hell and Edward II at the National). For the first time, the Almeida will collaborate with National Theatre Live to broadcast the production (January 15, 2019) to cinemas in the U.K. and internationally.
Performances of The Tragedy of Richard the Second will run December 10–February 2, 2019, with further casting to be announced.
In February Artistic Director Rupert Goold will direct the world premiere of Washburn's Shipwreck, a new play set in an old farmhouse and to which the 45th President of the United States has been invited to dinner. Washburn returns to the Almedia following productions of her plays Mr. Burns: A Post Electric Play and The Twilight Zone. Performances will run February 11–March 30.
In April, the Almedia will reunite director Rebecca Frecknall and actor Patsy Ferran (Summer and Smoke) for Three Sisters, in a new version by Cordelia Lynn. Pearl Chanda is also in the cast, with further casting yet to be announced. Performances will run April 8–June 1.
Next up, the theatre will debut The Hunt, adapted by playwright David Farr (The Heart of Robin Hood) from Thomas Vinterberg and Tobias Lindholm's 2012 film of the same name. Goold will direct the world premiere, set to run June 17–August 3.
The Hunt will be followed by a fall production of Vassa, adapted by Bartlett and directed by Tinuke Craig. Performances will run October 7–November 23.
Additionally, Almeida for Free, the annual free festival for theatregoers under 25, will take place during the run of Three Sisters.
For more information on the lineup, visit Almeida.co.uk.
