Off-Broadway NewsKenneth Branagh Will Be King Lear at Off-Broadway's The Shed
Branagh will direct and star in the production first at Wyndham's Theatre in London.
By
Leah Putnam
April 28, 2023
Stage and screen actor Kenneth Branagh will direct and star in the titular role of Shakespeare's King Lear. The production will first play at Wyndham's Theatre in London before transferring to Off-Broadway's The Shed.
Previews are set to begin at Wyndham's Theatre October 21 where the workwill open a 50-performance run October 31. A bow at The Shed's Griffin Theater will follow in the fall of 2024, with dates to be announced along with casting and creative team.
Branagh has formed a long career starring in Shakespeare's works since appearing in Royal Shakespeare Company's Henry V in 1984. On stage and screen, he has starred in over 15 productions of Shakespearean plays. Among the highlights are his film adaptation of Hamlet,and his immersive staging of Macbeth which played Off-Broadway's Park Avenue Armory.
Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company presents the production 10 years after forming in 2013, working with international production company Fiery Angel and The Shed. KBTC also includes Judi Dench, Zoë Wanamaker, Derek Jacobi, Lily James, Richard Madden, and Rob Brydon.
The production is part of the Off-Broadway company's Friel Project, presenting four of playwright Brian Friel's plays set in the fictional town of Ballybeg.