RSC production of Edgar’s Heart transfers to Duchess, 23 Apr

As previously tipped, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of David Edgar’s new play Written on the Heart will transfer to the West End’s Duchess Theatre from 23 April 2012 (previews from 19 April).

The play, currently running in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon (until 10 March), centres on the creation of the King James Bible.

According to press material, “Across an 80 year divide, two men translate the word of God into the English tongue. For one, it means death at the stake. For the other, it could mean an archbishop’s mitre.”

Written on the Heart is directed by Gregory Doran, who is among those tipped to succeed Michael Boyd as RSC artistic director when he steps down at the end of the year.

The cast includes: Oliver Ford Davies, Jamie Ballard, Bruce Alexander, Stephen Boxer, Paul Chahidi, James Hayes, Jim Hooper, Youssef Kerkour, Joseph Kloska, Sam Marks, Ian Midlane, Mark Quartley, Daniel Stewart, Simon Thorp, Annette McLaughlin and Jodie McNee.

David Edgar’s previous work for the RSC includes Destiny, Pentecost and the multi award-winning Nicholas Nickleby.

Written on the Heart marks the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible, one of the most widely published texts in the English language.

The West End transfer is being produced by Bill Kenwright and Thelma Holt. It will join the RSC’s Whatsonstage.com Award-winning production Matilda the Musical in the capital.