Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) has announced that a new production of Shakespeare’s play, King Lear, will embark on a UK tour to nine regional venues throughout April, May, June and July.
King Lear will star renowned Shakespearian actor Michael Pennington, who will be reprising the main role after his highly acclaimed performance at the Shakespeare Centre New York in 2014.
He will be joined by a distinguished cast of thirteen actors, such as Beth Cooke and Pip Donaghy, who each have vast theatrical experience.
The play tells the story of King Lear being driven from his home and then enduring a gradual decent into madness. Eventually, through his suffering, a better world emerges.
King Lear will be directed by Phillip Franks, whose extensive directing credits include being an associate director at Chichester Festival Theatre for five years.
Sir Howard Panter, ATG joint chief executive, commented, “The eyes of the world will be on Britain this year, the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. To mark this significant year, we are delighted to be bringing this major new production of King Lear to so many regional British playhouses and I am particularly proud that Michael Pennington, one of the finest Shakespearian actors of our time, will be playing Lear.”
The production will launch for a three week run at the Royal & Derngate Theatre in April, before continuing on at venues such as Oxford Playhouse, Theatre Royal Brighton, Richmond Theatre, Grand Opera House, York, Manchester Opera House, Theatre Royal Bath, The Hall for Cornwall Truro and Cambridge Arts Theatre.
The show, which is in association with the Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton, will end at Malvern Theatre on 2nd July.
For more information and tickets, call the box office on 08448-713024 or visit www.atgtickets.com/york.
