Initial casting announced for Richard III at Hull Truck
Mat Fraser, one of Britain's best-known disabled performers, will lead the cast of Northern Broadsides' Richard III, which opens at Hull Truck Theatre in May as part of Hull UK City of Culture.
Fraser began his acting career with Graeae Theatre Company, and has extensive stage and screen experience including the US TV series American Horror Story: Freak Show.
Richard III is directed by Northern Broadsides' artistic director Barrie Rutter, who said: "[Fraser] is an actor of scintillating physicality and vocal power. He joins a company of Broadsiders new and old, Hullensians aplenty, and will add his percussion skills to a company well noted for its musical invention.
"His return to the British stage as Shakespeare’s iconic villain heralds a shivering frisson of excitement."
Further casting is to be announced.
The production will mark the 25 years since Northern Broadsides first staged Shakespeare's play in Hull in 1992. Rutter starred in the titular role alongside a cast which featured Mark Addy, Edward Peel and Polly Hemmingway.
Richard III runs at Hull Truck Theatre from 4 to 27 May, and then at Viaduct Theatre, Halifax from the 30 May to 4 June.
