The Game of Thrones star is to return to the London stage in a new production of Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus when it arrives at the Duke of York’s Theatre in April.
The actor will take on the title role in Colin Teevan’s version of Christopher Marlowe’s masterpiece to be directed by Jamie Lloyd, opening for previews on the 9th April.
With further casting yet to be announced, Christopher Marlowe’s best known work will feature two acts by Colin Teevan, booking at the Duke of York’s Theatre until the 4th June.
Kit Harington is best known for his role as Jon Snow on Game of Thrones since 2011. His stage credits include being a member of the original cast of War Horse (National Theatre) and Posh (Royal Court Theatre).
Teevan has created darkly comic scenes to replace the middle acts (which are widely believed not to have been written by Marlowe) and this along with dynamic stage illusions will transport this 400 year old play to the 21st century audience.
Faustus makes a pact with the Devil, selling his soul in return for the ability to perform anything he pleases with the power of black magic. This fatal decision catapults him into an intoxicating world of celebrity, as he becomes a world-renowned conjuror, international heartthrob and friend of the rich, famous and powerful. But what is the cost of his insatiable thirst for wealth and fame?
Talking about his return to the London stage Kit Harington said: “I have been away from the theatre for six years, so the combination of Colin Teevan’s inventive version of Marlowe’s extraordinary play in the hands of the visionary director Jamie Lloyd all felt like the perfect reason to come back. Faustus’ journey is exhilarating and the idea of playing a magician – a showman – is hugely exciting.”
Jamie Lloyd said “Kit Harington is one of the most dynamic young actors around and he’s eager for a new challenge. This version of this legendary play combines the very best of Marlowe’s text with thrilling work by Colin Teevan, which replaces the notorious central acts, long-suspected to be of spurious origin.”
The production will be designed by Soutra Gilmour, with lighting by Jon Clark, and music and sound by Ben and Max Ringham.
Doctor Faustus will appear at the Duke of York’s Theatre from the 9th April and is booking until the 4th June. Tickets are on sale now and can be bought from: Ticketmaster.co.uk, ATG Tickets, Discount Theatre.com, Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk, Love Theatre.com, Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.