It has been confirmed today that Freddie Fox will be sharing the role of Romeo with Richard Madden, opposite Lily James as Juliet in the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company’s production of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, currently playing at the Garrick Theatre.
Freddie Fox will be joining the cast of Romeo & Juliet for the final weeks of the production’s run at the Garrick Theatre, due to Richard Madden having injured himself while running and has been having physiotherapy ever since.
Due to the nature of this injury, his doctors have advised that he should rest between performances and to allow sufficient time for his ankle to heal properly.
Since the injury has happened, the role of Romeo has been covered by Tom Hanson, who has played Paris in the production in addition to understudying Romeo. however, due to unfortunate circumstances, he has also injured his leg and unable to perform, prompting producers to cast Freddie Fox in the production.
Talking about the news Richard Madden said: “It has been hugely frustrating and sad that I have not been able to perform in the show, but my ankle is getting better and I will be returning soon. I wanted to say a big thank you to Tom for covering me so brilliantly and I hope that he too recovers from his injury soon. I also wanted to say a massive thanks to Freddie for stepping in to help, I know that he is going to be fantastic.”
Kenneth Branagh commented: “Sometimes things do not go according to plan in the theatre. Who would have predicted that both Richard and Tom would sustain such unexpected injuries during the same run of this play? Our job is to help make sure that they both make the best recovery possible, whilst working as hard as we can to provide a great show for audiences, which is why I could not be more thrilled to welcome Freddie Fox into the company.”
Fox will join the company from Tuesday the 26th July, following intensive rehearsals with Lily James and the rest of the cast over the last two days. He has most recently appeared on stage A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Southwark Playhouse and later in the year he will appear in the revival of Tom Stoppard’s Travesties at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
Romeo & Juliet will continue to play at the Garrick Theatre until the 13th August. To book tickets visit: Ticketmaster.co.uk, Discount Theatre.com, Last Minute.com, Theatre Tickets Direct.co.uk, Love Theatre.com, Theatre People.com and UK Tickets.co.uk.