Ian McKellen and Roger Allam to star in new play for Theatre Royal Windsor season 

The Theatre Royal Windsor’s summer season is set to return for a third year, bringing with it two new productions.

Presented by Bill Kenwright and under the directorship of Sean Mathias, the two world premieres are Frank and Percy by Ben Weatherill and Alone Together by Simon Williams. The former will run from Friday 9 June until Saturday 22 July 2023 at the Theatre Royal Windsor, before moving to the Theatre Royal Bath from Tuesday 25 July to Saturday 5 August 2023. Alone Together by Simon Williams will run from Friday 4 August 2023 to Saturday 19 August 2023.

Frank and Percy, about the connection between two old men who chat on a park bench, will star three-time Olivier Award winner Roger Allam as well as stage legend Ian McKellen, reuniting with Mathias for the Weatherill’s two-hander. Alone Together tells the story of Angela, who finds comfort after a chance meeting with a young novelist. Casting for Alone Together is to be revealed. 

Director Sean Mathias said: “I cannot believe my luck in finding not one but two charming and original new plays for the season. Ben Weatherill (Frank and Percy) is a true young talent in the theatre. And to have reunited Ian and Roger after almost 20 years since we all did Aladdin together at the Old Vic is a real coup. Both Frank and Percy, and Alone Together explore the fragility and joy of relationships in all their different forms, and what forges and strengthens bonds between humans, at a time when more than ever, we all need to love and support one another.” 

Kenwright said: “Sean has firmly established the summer season at Theatre Royal Windsor as the highlight of our dramatic theatrical year. (We should never forget our hugely loved and much needed record-breaking annual panto!). This year it is great to be exploring two new plays from an exciting new playwright (Ben Weatherill), and a dear friend of mine and of Theatre Royal Windsor (Simon Williams) whose writing skills get better with every play of his I read.

“I love for us to present new plays at Windsor, although to be honest it’s not always easy in a regional theatre with no subsidy whatsoever. so I’m particularly pleased that Sean and I have chosen these two as our new adventures.”