Theatre News

The Crucible starring Richard Armitage coming to cinemas later this year

The Old Vic production will also be available to download and watch online around the world

Richard Armitage in The Crucible
Richard Armitage in The Crucible
© Johan Persson

The Old Vic has announced that Digital Theatre are to film their critically acclaimed production of The Crucible, directed by Yaël Farber, starring Richard Armitage. The production will be broadcast to cinemas around the world and available as a download, with dates and territories to be announced later this year.

Set in the town of Salem, Massachusetts, where in 1692, 19 adults and two dogs were hanged for witchcraft, and one man was pressed to death for refusing to plead. The Crucible tells the story of one man's fight to save his identity in a repressive Puritan community.

Arthur Miller's play was inspired by the actions of The House Committee on Un-American Activities of the McCarthy era, in front of which the playwright was invited to give evidence. It was most recently seen in London at the Open Air Theatre in 2010, with Patrick O'Kane as Proctor.

Armitage (Robin Hood, Spooks and The Hobbit) plays John Proctor and is joined by Anna Madeley (Earthquakes in London) as Elizabeth Proctor and newcomer Samantha Colley as Abigail Williams. The cast also includes Sarah Niles, Rebecca Saire and Zara White.

The Crucible is the third play in a new season of productions which are presented in-the-round at The Old Vic.