Michelle Terry, Declan Bennett to play titular roles in Henry V and Jesus Christ Superstar

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre have announced lead casting for two of its productions today with Olivier Award-winning actress Michelle Terry cast in the titular role in Henry V, and Once and EastEnders star Declan Bennett taking the lead in Jesus Christ Superstar.

Terry is currently appearing in Cleansed at the National Theatre and is most noted for her numerous roles with The Globe and RSC. She was awarded ‘Best Actress in a Supporting Role’ at the Olivier Awards in 2011 for her portrayal of Sylvia in the Royal Court Theatre production of Tribes.

Henry V will be directed by Robert Hastie (Splendour, My Night with Reg) and designed by Anna Fleischle (Hangmen), and will run from 22 June – 9 July 2016.

On the casting Hastie said: "Henry V is a study in leadership and who we think is entitled to lead, as well as being a play about war and peace and England's place in the world. This summer we're expecting the results of a MOD consultation that aims to put female soldiers on the front line of combat…

"As he has done pretty much every year since he died 400 years ago, Shakespeare is proving himself our contemporary. Our first night is the day before the EU referendum. I can't think of a better time to stage this play about England's relationship with its European neighbours."

Bennett, the original lead in the London cast of Once, will play Jesus in Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s Jesus Christ Superstar. Bennett was most recently seen on BBC's EastEnders as Charlie Cotton.

The production, directed by Open Air Theatre's artistic director Timothy Sheader, will celebrate 45 years since Rice and Lloyd Webber's musical premiered and runs from 15 July – 27 August 2016.

Musical direction is by Tom Deering (Made in Dagenham), design by Tom Scutt (Constellations) and choreography by Drew McOnie (In The Heights).

Timothy Sheader said: "Casting the iconic roles of Jesus and Henry V was about finding voices which would foster a new engagement with the stories.

"Declan's music background brings a particular skill set and authenticity to this gig-like production of the show, and his past stage work… makes his Jesus a particularly exciting prospect."

Further casting for Henry V and Jesus Christ Superstar to be announced.