A Tale of Two Cities casting and tour dates announced

Casting and first tour dates have been announced for the revival of A Tale of Two Cities on stage.

The new production features Terence Rattigan and John Gielgud’s adaptation from Charles Dickens’ classic novel, now directed by Michael Fentiman.

It follows English barrister Sydney Carton and French aristocrat Charles Darnay, whose lives become intertwined through the actions of central protagonist Lucie Manette, all as the French Revolution unfolds: ushering in the Reign of Terror.

The production will premiere at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from 14 to 19 September 2026, with a press night on 17 September, before visiting Leeds Playhouse from 22 to 26 September.

The UK tour will continue in 2027 with stops at Theatre Royal Bath (15 to 23 January), Cheltenham Everyman Theatre (2 to 6 February), Chichester Festival Theatre (9 to 13 February), King’s Theatre, Edinburgh (16 to 20 February) and Theatre Clwyd (23 to 27 February), with additional dates to be announced.

Directed by Fentiman, the cast features Martin Bassindale as Stryver and Defarge, Scarlett Brookes as Miss Pross, Judge and Road Mender, Samuel Collings as Sydney Carton and the Marquis de St Evrémonde, Daniel Hickey, Jasmine Kerr, Jordan Loughran as Lucie Manette and the Seamstress, Roger Ringrose as Lorry and Gabelle, Ed Sayer as Charles Darnay and the Brother of the Marquis de St Evrémonde, Robyn Sinclair as Madame Defarge, the Attorney General and Patrol, Simon Startin as Barsad and Gaspard, and François Testory as Dr Manette and François.

The creative team includes set designer Max Jones, costume designer Kinnetia Isidore, lighting designer Ben Jacobs, sound designer Richard Hammarton, composer Barnaby Race, video designer Nina Dunn for PixelLux, wigs, hair and make-up designer Susanna Peretz, casting director Helena Palmer, fight director Jonathan Holby, creative associate Audrey Brisson, associate director Pip Minnithorpe and dramaturg Leo Butler.