Theatre News

Ian McKellen's King Lear to be broadcast live and full cast announced

The production premiered at Chichester Festival Theatre last year

Ian McKellen and Danny Webb in King Lear
Ian McKellen and Danny Webb in King Lear
© Manuel Harlan

Full casting and an NT Live broadcast have been announced for Chichester Festival Theatre's production of King Lear, which transfers to the Duke of York's Theatre in July.

Joining the previously announced Ian McKellen (King Lear) will be Sinéad Cusack (Kent), Danny Webb (Gloucester), Kirsty Bushell (Regan), Richard Clews (Gentleman Informer / Old Man), John Hastings (Curan / Doctor), Jake Mann (Burgundy / Lear's Knight), Michael Matus (Oswald), and Caleb Roberts (King of France), who all reprise their roles.

New cast members for the West End run include James Corrigan (Edmund), Anthony Howell (Albany), Lloyd Hutchinson (Fool), Claire Price (Goneril), Daniel Rabin (Cornwall), Scott Sparrow (Albany's Man), Luke Thompson (Edgar), and Anita-Joy Uwajeh (Cordelia).

Completing the company is James Millard, Johanne Murdock, Jessica Murrain and John Vernon.

Ian McKellen in King Lear
Ian McKellen in King Lear
© Manuel Harlan

After a critically acclaimed production in Chichester's Minerva Theatre, Jonathan Munby's production transfers to the West End for a limited run of 100 performances at the Duke of York's Theatre. It has design by Paul Wills, lighting by Oliver Fenwick, music and sound by Ben Ringham and Max Ringham, movement direction by Lucy Cullingford and fight direction by Kate Waters.

The production will also broadcast live to cinemas across the UK and internationally on Thursday 27 September with NT Live.