The full cast for the War of the Roses at the Rose Theatre in Kingston from the 16th September to the 31st October has been announced.
Directed by Sir Trevor Nunn, The War of the Roses is an adaptation of three of Shakespeare’s historical plays: Henry VI, Edward IV and Richard III. The plays have been adapted by John Barton in collaboration with Peter Hall.
Cast for the production includes: Oscar Batterham, Freddy Carter, Oliver Cotton, Jim Creighton, Imogen Daines , Robert Sheehan, Harry Egan, Alexander Hanson,Rufus Hound and Michael Xavier.
This theatrical event has not been seen since it was first produced at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963 by the founders of the company John Barton and Peter Hall.
It is a trilogy of plays which focus on one of the most intriguing periods of history: the 15th century conflict between the House of York and the House of Lancaster for the throne of England.
In all of these plays, Shakespeare examines the very essence of human conflict. Filled with tales of feuding families,murderous kings, scheming and betrayal, The War of the Roses chronicles the final struggle for power in medieval England.
Featuring a company of over 20 professional actors as well as a local community chorus to complete the ensemble, it will be the largest company to appear on stage at the Rose since the theatre opened.
It is also a production that reunites Nunn with his long-term collaborator designer John Napier, who along with Mark Friend will transform the Rose’s auditorium.
The season will be complemented by an exhibition of the artist John Link’s work relating to Shakespeare’s characters and plays. There will also be educational workshops made available to local schools and other events and master classes will be announced shortly.
For more information about the plays and to book tickets visit: http://www.rosetheatrekingston.org/the-wars-of-the-roses .