In the Olivier Theatre, a new version of Eugene Ionesco's Exit the King from Patrick Marber will begin previews July 17 prior to an official opening July 25. Marber will direct a cast that includes Rhys Ifans in the title role and Indira Varma as his first Queen with Debra Gillett, Derek Griffiths, Amy Morgan, Adrian Scarborough, and musician Sarah Campbell.
Shakespeare's Pericles—in a version by Chris Bush with music by James Fortune—will play the Olivier August 26–28. A huge company of all ages from across London will join together with professional artists to breathe new life into this classic tale.
The Off-Broadway hit Hadestown, with music, lyrics, and a book by Anaïs Mitchell, will begin performances at the Olivier November 2 and continue through January 26, 2019, before heading to Broadway. Rachel Chavkin will again direct the folk opera, which follows Orpheus’ mythical quest to overcome Hades and regain his one true love, Eurydice.
The Olivier Award-winning revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman’s Follies will return to the Olivier beginning February 14. Directed by Dominic Cooke, performances are currently scheduled through March 26. Janie Dee and Peter Forbes will reprise their roles as Phyllis and Buddy, with further casting to be announced.
The Dorfman Theatre will welcome Laura Wade's new play, Home, I'm Darling, beginning July 24. The co-production with Theatr Clwyd will officially open July 31 and continue in repertory through September 5. Tamara Harvey will direct a cast led by Katherine Parkinson, Kathryn Drysdale, Sara Gregory, Richard Harrington, Barnaby Kay, and Sian Thomas. The new comedy concerns one woman’s quest to be the perfect 1950’s housewife.
The Wardrobe Ensemble's The Star Seekers, an interactive family show, will play the Dorfman August 8–September 1.
Three new titles have been announced as part of the National Theatre Live season, which currently screens to 65 countries across the globe. BAFTA nominee Vanessa Kirby stars in an updated version of Strindberg’s classic play Miss Julie. Now set in modern London, Julie will be screened in cinemas September 6.
Jonathan Munby directs King Lear—with Tony and Olivier Award winner Ian McKellen in the title role—which will be broadcast live to cinemas September 27 from the Duke of York’s Theatre. The cast also includes Sinéad Cusack, Kirsty Bushell, and Danny Webb.
NT Live travels to Nottingham Playhouse for the first time to broadcast a new production of Alan Bennett's The Madness of George III. Directed by Adam Penford, it will be screened live in cinemas November 20, with Olivier winner Mark Gatiss as King George III and Adrian Scarborough as Dr. Willis.
Click here for details about the many other productions scheduled to play London's National.
