Popular film and television actor Stephen Tompkinson returns to Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre later this month to star as Vindice in a powerful new production of bloody Jacobean thriller The Revenger’s Tragedy from Wednesday 28 May to Saturday 28 June.

Best known for his work on high profile TV series such as Drop The Dead Donkey, Ballykissangel and Wild At Heart, Tompkinson also has big screen successes which include BAFTA nominated Brassed Off. Back at the Royal Exchange for the first time in sixteen years, his previous RET credits include Women Laughing and Love’s Labour’s Lost.

Guest director Jonathan Moore takes the helm for this blackly comic tale of lust, ambition and violent retribution, rich in savage poetry, sensuality and humour. At the centre of the action, Vindice seeks to avenge the murder of his beloved Gloriana - leaving a massive body count in his wake. The action will be brought to vivid life with lavish sets and costumes from acclaimed designer David Blight.

Expert opinion is divided as to the true authorship of the play – some claim it for Cyril Tourneur but many now believe it is more likely the work of Thomas Middleton.

Jonathan Moore’s previous credits include directing his own plays Treatment (Donmar and Edinburgh Festival), Street Captives (Gate and Edinburgh Festival) and This Other Eden (Soho Theatre). His previous RET credits include Sex, Chips & Rock ‘N’ Roll. His acclaimed Opera productions (working with designer David Blight) include work for English National Opera, the Munich Biennale, Bonn Opera House and the Edinburgh International Festival.

The cast also includes: Jonathan Keeble, Merryn Owen, Sam Fletcher, Mikey North, Damian O’Hare, Robert Demeger, John Gillett, Corinna Powlesland, Stephanie Brittain, Eileen O’Brien, Marc Parry, Stephen Hudson and Drew Horner.

The creative team is completed by Vince Herbert (lighting), Steve Brown (sound), Renny Krupinski (fights) and Peter Brennan (choreographer).

Further details can be found at the Royal Exchange website www.royalexchange.co.uk

-Glenn Meads

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