Vanessa Redgrave’s medically enforced withdrawal from her Stratford performances of Hecuba had left the company with a few weeks to fill at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. They’ve decided to bring back the stalwart The Hollow Crown, with Alan Howard and Donald Sinden set to star. The show was created by John Barton in 1961. It’s an account of the English monarchy between 1066 to Queen Victoria’s coronation, in the words of writers of the time — from Jane Austen to Queen Vic herself. It has been a consistent crowd pleaser over the years, and has toured internationally. Actors who have appeared in the show over the years include Diana Rigg, Derek Jacobi, Ian Richardson, Dorothy Tutin, Janet Suzman, Tony Church, Richard Johnson, Norman Rodway and Patrick Stewart.

Further casting — one actor, one actress — will be announced shortly. The show will play from March 3 until March 19. Hecuba will now take place at London’s Albery Theatre beginning March 26.

For more information about The Hollow Crown, call (0)870 609 1110.