Theatre News

Joan Iyiola cast in RSC's Duchess of Malfi

Full casting has been announced for John Webster’s play and ”The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich (Or the Beau Defeated)”

Joan Iyiola
Joan Iyiola

Casting has been announced for the RSC's upcoming production of The Duchess of Malfi.

Joan Iyiola will star in the title role of John Webster's tragedy, following her stint at Shakespeare's Globe in Boudica. Iyiola's other roles include The Convert (Gate Theatre) and They Drink It in the Congo (Almeida).

Playing her twin brother Ferdinand is Alexander Cobb, who has previously starred in Mary Stuart (Almeida), and Red Velvet (Garrick Theatre). They are joined by Chris New who will star as The Cardinal, and Sophie Stanton as Mrs Rich.

The full cast for Maria Aberg's production is Jeff Alexander (Doctor); Aretha Ayeh (Julia); Greg Barnett (Delio); Graeme Brookes (Officer); Will Brown (Roderigo); Ashley Gayle (Silvio); Francis Gush (Counter Tenor); Amanda Hadingue (Cariola); Richard Hurst (Grisolan); Solomon Israel (Officer); Nicolas Tennant (Bosola) and Paul Woodson (Antonio).

The Duchess of Malfi is about a Duchess who marries beneath her class prompting her brothers to take horrendous revenge.

Casting for The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich by Mary Pix, directed by Jo Davies, is Jeff Alexander (Coachman); Aretha Ayeh (Lucinda); Daisy Badger (Lady Landsworth); Greg Barnett (Belvoir); Graeme Brookes (Footman); Will Brown (Jack), Hayley Considine (Governess); Laura Elsworthy (Betty); Sandy Foster (Mrs Trickwell); Ashley Gayle (Footman); Amanda Hadingue (Toni); Richard Hurst (Footman); Solomon Israel (Younger Clerimont); Emily Johnstone (Maid); Susan Salmon (Lady la Basset); Sadie Shimmin (Mrs Fidget); Michael Simkins (Mr Rich); Sophie Stanton (Mrs Rich); Jessica Turner (Mrs Clerimont); Tam Williams (Sir John Roverhead) and Leo Ringer (Elder Clerimont).

The Duchess of Malfi runs at the Swan Theatre from 1 March to 3 August 2018. The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich runs at the Swan Theatre from 23 March to 14 June.