The cast for the world premiere of The Heart of Robin Hood, a brand new take on a much-loved story, is announced.
David Farr has written a new, mischievous take on the much loved myth of Robin Hood for the Royal Shakespeare Company this Christmas.
The production is directed by Icelandic actor, director and trained gymnast Gisli Örn Gardarsson, whose theatre company Vesturport is best known for its acrobatic productions, circus skills and left field set designs. This production promises to be no exception.
The cast is headed by two young actors making their RSC debuts as Robin and Marion – James McArdle and Iris Roberts.
James McArdle was nominated for the 2011 Ian Charleson award for playing Malcolm in Lucy Bailey's production of Macbeth at The Globe and A Month in the Country for the Chichester Festival Theatre. He also played Stephen West in ITV's Appropriate Adult.
Iris Roberts has this year appeared in Doctor Faustus and God of Soho (both at The Globe) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Donmar Warehouse). Other theatre work includes: Roxane in Cyrano de Bergerac and Skyscraper for the Public Theater, New York.
Icelandic actor, producer and writer Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, a founder of The Vesturport Theatre Company, will play Pierre. He has been in over 15 films and 40 theatre productions including Mike Leigh's Abigail's Party, Harold Pinter's Celebration and King Lear.
The cast also includes: Martin Hutson (Prince John), Peter Bray (Soldier), Fiona Lait (Bird), Robert Luckay (Much), Emma Manton (Townswoman), Flora Montgomery (Alice), Darwin Shaw (Will), Marcello Walton (Friar and Robert Summers), Lawrence Werber (Makepeace) and Addis Williams (Guy's Henchman).
The Heart of Robin Hood will be the first family show to be staged in the newly re-furbished Royal Shakespeare Theatre and will run from 18 November 2011 to 7 January 2012.