Casting: Sharon D Clarke in Romeo and Juliet and full cast for How to Hold Your Breath

Full casting has been announced for the Rose Theatre Kingston's production of Romeo and Juliet with Sally Cookson returning to theatre to direct Sharon D Clarke (Nurse),
Maureen Beattie (Lady Capulet), Matt Costain (Paris/Prince), Chris Bianchi (Friar Lawrence/ Montague), Audrey Brisson (Juliet), Joseph Drake (Romeo), Laura Elphinstone (Mercutio), Felix Hayes (Tybalt), Daniel Ezra (Benvolio) and Javier Marzan (Peter).

Chief Executive of Rose Theatre Kingston Robert O’Dowd said today, "I am thrilled to welcome Sally Cookson back to the Rose. She is a glorious collaborator – a joy to have in the building, and an extraordinary director with an incredible visual flair. Reunited with the team behind Hetty Feather, I cannot wait to see what they will bring to Romeo and Juliet."

Following their recent successes with Jane Eyre and Hetty Feather, director Sally Cookson and composer Benji Bower once again collaborate on this production which opens on 4 March, with previews from 28 February, and runs until 14 March.

Full casting has also been announced for How to Hold Your Breath, a new play by Zinnie Harris. Directed by the Royal Court’s artistic director Vicky Featherstone, the cast join the previously announced Maxine Peake on the first day of rehearsals today.
 


The cast includes Christine Bottomley, Neil D'Souza, Peter Forbes, Siobhán McSweeney, Maxine Peake, Danusia Samal and Michael Shaeffer.

Starting with a seemingly innocent one night stand, How To Hold Your Breath dives into our recent European history, providing a look at the true cost of our principles and how we live now. The production is designed by Chloe Lamford, with lighting by Paul Constable, music by Stuart Earl, sound design by Gareth Fry and movement by Ann Yee.