Simon Russell Beale withdraws from Titus Andronicus London run due to ill health

Hampstead Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company have announced that John Hodgkinson will take over the title role of Titus Andronicus in Max Webster’s production of Shakespeare’s tragedy, following Simon Russell Beale’s withdrawal due to ill health.

Performances begin on 15 September at Hampstead Theatre, with press night now set for 22 September.

Webster said: “As a company we’re all so sorry that Simon Russell Beale has had to step back from his role in Titus Andronicus. We all want to send him our very best wishes for a speedy recovery. At the same time, I am thrilled and immensely grateful to welcome the extremely talented John Hodgkinson, who has stepped in at short notice to take on the iconic role and to join our remarkable company.”

The cast also features Jeremy Ang Jones, Max Bennett, Marlowe Chan-Reeves, Danny Collins, Maximus Evans, Emma Fielding, Thomas Josling, Wendy Kweh, Joel MacCormack, Jerone Marsh-Reid, Ken Nwosu, Sharita Oomeer, Letty Thomas, and young performers Charlie Banks and Osian Salter.

Webster’s staging of Shakespeare’s bloodiest play, which recently enjoyed a hit run at the RSC’s Swan Theatre, examines the text through the lens of 21st-century aggression. It runs on Hampstead’s main stage from 15 September to 11 October.

The statement in full:

Unfortunately, due to ill health, Simon Russell Beale has had to step back from the RSC / Hampstead Theatre production of Titus Andronicus to give him time to recover. The role of Titus Andronicus will now be played by John Hodgkinson with performances commencing on 15 September. Simon Russell Beale wishes John and the company all the very best for the run.”