Ben Elton's The Upstart Crow returns to London's West End September 23 following a shutdown of the production due to the pandemic. The show, which earned an Olivier nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play, will play at the Apollo Theatre through December 3.
Returning with the production are David Mitchell as Will Shakespeare in a continuation of his West End debut, and Gemma Whelan as Kate. Mitchell also played Shakespeare in the original BBC sitcom from which the play is adapted. Further casting to be announced at a later date.
Set in 1605 England, Will Shakespeare has produced only two plays, both of which failed to earn stellar receptions. Desperate to write a new play to keep his reputation and his royal patronage, Will's work faces greater obstacles when his house and family prove to be more dramatic than anything he can imagine putting onstage. Olivier winner Sean Foley also returns to direct the comedy.
“The theatres were closed due to plague in Shakespeare's day just as they have been in our own," said Elton in a statement, "so I couldn’t be prouder and happier that The Upstart Crow is once more bringing the laughter to the West End.”
The Upstart Crow originally began previews February 7, 2020 at the Gielgud Theatre, and officially opened February 17, 2020. Read the reviews here.
For tickets and more information, visit UpstartCrowTheComedy.com.
