RSC announces Measure for Measure casting

The Royal Shakespeare Company has confirmed casting for its upcoming production of Measure for Measure, directed by Emily Burns.

The production runs at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from 13 September to 25 October 2025.

Isis Hainsworth will make her RSC debut as Isabella, with Adam James as Duke Vincentio and Tom Mothersdale as Angelo. The company also includes Emily Benjamin as Mariana and Francisca, Valentine Hanson as Friar Peter, Oli Higginson as Claudio, Miya James as Juliet and Angelo’s Assistant, Natasha Jayetileke as Provost, Kaffe Keating as Camera Operator, Douggie McMeekin as Lucio, Sion Pritchard as Escalus, Katie Singh as Camera Operator and John Vernon as Barnardine.

Burns said, “Measure for Measure is 400 years old, yet shockingly modern. In this version, the psychological thriller at the heart of the play is tuned to its highest frequency — savage, uncompromising, heart-racing.

“This company are ferociously talented, ruthlessly incisive and completely exhilarating to watch on stage — I’m delighted to be working with a cast of such wit, drive and audacity.”

The creative team features set and costume designer Frankie Bradshaw, lighting designer Joshua Pharo, composer Asaf Zohar, sound designer Christopher Shutt, movement and intimacy director James Cousins, video designer Zakk Hein and casting director Charlotte Sutton.