The West End stage welcomes the return of renowned actor-director, Sir Kenneth Branagh, with ‘Plays at The Garrick’. The five landmark plays will welcome a star-studded cast, including Dame Judy Dench, Rob Brydon, Lily James and Richard Madden.
Branagh last appeared on the West End stage back in a 2008 production of Ivanov at the Wyndham Theatre. In more recent years, his work has taken him behind the camera and he has directed some of Hollywood’s most successful blockbusters, including: Thor, Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, and most recently, a live-action production of Disney’s Cinderella, starring Lily James and Richard Madden. He will be reunited with the stars of the film as they take to the stage in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
The five plays will mark a year-long residency for the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company running from October 2015 – November 2016, and are sure to be the must-have tickets of the theatrical calendar!
Click here to find out more and book tickets before they sell out.
The Winter’s Tale
by William Shakespeare
Starring Judy Dench and Kenneth Branagh
17th October 2015 – 16th January 2016
This classic Shakespearean tragicomedy will be brought to life on the West End stage, kicking-off the five-play season. Judi Dench will be playing the role of Paulina, and Kenneth Branagh will be taking on the role of Leontes. The production will be co-directed by Kenneth Branagh and Rob Ashford.
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Harlequinade
by Terrence Ratigan
Starring Kenneth Branagh
24th October 2015 – 13th January 2016
This rarely staged comedy classic focuses on the personal dramas and emotional entanglements of a classical theatre company as they attempt to stage two Shakespeare plays. This comedic gem will star Kenneth Branagh who will also co-direct alongside Rob Ashford.
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The Painkiller
by Francis Veber, adapted by Sean Foley
Starring Kenneth Branagh and Rob Brydon
5th March 2016 – 30th April 2016
This classic French farce, written by Francis Veber and directed by Sean Foley, brings together the tour-de-force theatrical double-act of Kenneth Branagh and Rob Brydon. The story revolves around two men in adjoining hotel rooms – one is a killer, the other wants to die. You’ll just have to see the play to find out what happens!
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Romeo and Juliet
by William Shakespeare
Starring Richard Madden and Lily James
12th May 2016 – 13th August 2016
This classic Shakespearean tale of forbidden love has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide. Richard Madden (Game of Thrones) and Lily James (Downton Abbey) will take the title roles of the young star-crossed lovers. The play will be directed by Kenneth Branagh.
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The Entertainer
by John Osborne
Starring Kenneth Branagh
20th August 2016 – 12 November 2016
John Osborne’s modern classic tells the story of failing music-hall act Archie Rice – a role made famous originally by Laurence Olivier. The play was first performed on the West End stage in 1957 and subsequently made into a film in 1960. In 2016, Kenneth Branagh will bring the lead character of Archie Rice to life in one of the most iconic roles ever written for the stage.
