Shakespeare’s Globe today announced that Maddy Hill, best known for her recurring role in BBC’s Eastenders, will appear as the title role of Imogen, directed by Matthew Dunster. 

Running at the theatre from September, Imogen is Shakespeare’s Cymbeline renamed as well as being reclaimed.

Imogen, daughter of Cymbeline, enrages her father by marrying against his will. Lies are then told about Imogen to her husband, Posthumous, and he decides she should die.

In an urban world that is as strange, erotic and violent as Shakespeare’s ancient Britain, Imogen is forced to re-imagine herself as she fights for the life she deserves and not the one that is being determined for her.

Talking about today’s announcement, director Matthew Dunster said: “I’m delighted that Maddy Hill is playing Imogen. In refocusing Cymbeline and re-naming it Imogen, it was vital that we found an actress who we could build the production around. Maddy has a terrific contemporary bite, and her presence will help me to explore the play, to make it feel fresh and about London. Maddy is bursting with talent and has the technique to take on a role like Imogen, and excite the audience in a space like the Globe Theatre.”

Maddy Hill’s other credits for film and television include roles in: Father Brown (BBC),UWantMeToKillHim? and Whitechapel (ITV).

Meanwhile, Matthew Dunster’s recent credits include productions of: Hangmen(Royal Court and West End), Love’s Sacrifice (RSC), The Seagull (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) and Liberian Girl (Royal Court).

Imogen will run at the Shakespeare’s Globe from the 17th September until the 16th October 2016. To book tickets visit Love Theatre.com.