RSC reveals cast for Love for Love and Queen Anne

Full casting has been announced for the Royal Shakespeare Company productions of Congreve's Love for Love and Helen Edmundson's new play Queen Anne, which play in repertory in the Swan Theatre this winter.

Restoration comedy Love for Love is receiving its first production by the RSC and is directed by Selina Cadell, making her RSC directorial debut.

Playing the main character of Valentine, who finds himself at a standstill faced with his father's displeasure and financial difficulties, is Tom Turner, best known for playing Nate in Hollyoaks. Playing his father Sir Sampson Legend is Nicholas Le Prevost, who returns to the RSC having previously played Benedick in the 2002 production Much Ado About Nothing.

As previously announced, the title role of Queen Anne is played by Jodhi May, whose credits include The Other Boleyn Girl, Polar Bears (Donmar Warehouse) and Game of Thrones. The production is directed by Natalie Abrahami.

Joining her as Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough is Natascha McElhone, who is most well-known for the films The Truman Show and Solaris. Playing her husband John Churchill is Robert Cavanah, who recently appeared in Emmerdale in the recurring role of Ian.

The full cast for Love for Love also includes: Daisy Ashford (Nurse); Jonathan Broadbent (Tattle); Robert Cavanah (Scandal); Jonathan Christie (Servant); Daniel Easton (Ben Legend); Michael Fenton Stevens (Buckram); Hermione Gulliford (Mrs Foresight); Justine Mitchell (Angelica); Hywel Morgan (Trapland); Carl Prekopp (Jeremy); Jenny Rainsford (Miss Prue); Elliott Ross (Servant); Michael Thomas (Old Foresight); Anna Tierney (Jenny); Ragevan Vasan (Robin) and Zoe Waites (Mrs Frail).

The full cast for Queen Anne also includes: Daisy Ashford (Lady Clarendon); Jonathan Broadbent (Robert Harley); Jonathan Christie (Arthur Maynwearing); Daniel Easton (Colonel Masham); Michael Fenton Stevens (Dr John Radcliffe); Richard Hope (Sidney Godolphin); Hywel Morgan (Prince George of Denmark); Beth Park (Abigail Hill); Carl Prekopp (Defoe/William III); Jenny Rainsford (Jezebel/Lady-in-Waiting); Elliott Ross (Jack Churchill); Anna Tierney (Lady Somerset); Tom Turner (Jonathan Swift) and Ragevan Vasan (Groom).

Love for Love runs in the Swan Theatre from 28 October 2015 to 22 January 2016, Queen Anne from 19 November 2015 to 23 January 2016.