CASTING ANNOUNCED FOR THE DUCHESS OF MALFI AND THE FANTASTIC FOLLIES OF MRS RICH
THE DUCHESS OF MALFI
By John Webster
Directed by Maria Aberg
Swan Theatre, 1 March – 3 August 2018
Press night: Thursday 8 March, 7pm
THE FANTASTIC FOLLIES OF MRS RICH (OR THE BEAU DEFEATED)
By Mary Pix
Directed by Jo Davies
Swan Theatre: 23 March – 14 June 2018
Press night: Tuesday 3 April, 7pm
Casting is announced for The Duchess of Malfi directed by Maria Aberg and The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich directed by Jo Davies. Both will play in repertoire in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Spring/Summer 2018 Season.
Playing the title role in Webster’s tragedy The Duchess of Malfi is Joan Iyiola who returns to the RSC having performed as part of ‘The Roaring Girls’ and ‘World Elsewhere’ Seasons. Her recent theatre credits have included Boudica (Shakespeare’s Globe), The Convert (Notting Hill Gate Theatre) and They Drink it in the Congo (Almeida Theatre). Playing her twin brother Ferdinand is Alexander Cobb whose credits include Mary Stuart (Almeida Theatre), Red Velvet (Garrick Theatre), Indian Summers (Channel 4) and Ripper Street (BBC). Chris New returns to the RSC to play their brother The Cardinal. Previous RSC credits include The Comedy of Errors and Twelfth Night. Other theatre credits include City of Glass (Home Theatre Manchester/Lyric Hammersmith); The Glass Menagerie (Nottingham Playhouse) and Bent (Trafalgar Studios). He also appeared in the leading role of Glen in the 2011 film, Weekend.
Sophie Stanton plays Mrs Rich. Sophie’s other theatre credits include Ink (Almeida and West End), The Knot of the Heart, Cloud Nine, Dying For It (Almeida), The Shakespeare Trilogy (Donmar Warehouse) and Made in Dagenham (West End). TV credits include The Halcyon, The Job Lot, Walter, My Mad Fat Diary and New Tricks
The full cast for The Duchess of Malfi includes: Jeff Alexander (Doctor); Aretha Ayeh (Julia); Greg Barnett (Delio); Graeme Brookes (Officer); Will Brown (Roderigo); Alexander Cobb (Ferdinand); Ashley Gayle (Silvio); Francis Gush (Counter Tenor); Amanda Hadingue (Cariola); Richard Hurst (Grisolan); Solomon Israel (Officer); Joan Iyiola (The Duchess); Chris New (The Cardinal); Nicolas Tennant (Bosola) and Paul Woodson (Antonio).
The full cast for The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich includes: Jeff Alexander (Coachman); Aretha Ayeh (Lucinda); Daisy Badger (Lady Landsworth); Greg Barnett (Belvoir), Graeme Brookes (Footman), Will Brown (Jack), Hayley Considine (Governess); Laura Elsworthy (Betty); Sandy Foster (Mrs Trickwell); Ashley Gayle (Footman); Amanda Hadingue (Toni); Richard Hurst (Footman); Solomon Israel (Younger Clerimont); Emily Johnstone (Maid); Susan Salmon (Lady la Basset); Sadie Shimmin (Mrs Fidget); Michael Simkins (Mr Rich); Sophie Stanton (Mrs Rich); Jessica Turner (Mrs Clerimont); Tam Williams (Sir John Roverhead) and Leo Ringer (Elder Clerimont).
The Duchess of Malfi is directed by Maria Aberg and designed by Naomi Dawson with lighting by Natasha Chivers. Music is by Orlando Gough, with sound by Claire Windsor and movement by Ayse Tashkiran.
The Fantastic Follies of Mrs Rich is directed by Jo Davies and designed by Colin Richmond, with lighting by Anna Watson. Music is by Grant Olding, with sound by Carolyn Downing, and movement by Coral Messam.
Notes to Editors
For further information, please contact amy.belson@rsc.org.uk 01789 412622.
For press tickets please contact dean.asker@rsc.org.uk 01789 412660
To book tickets call 01789 403493 or online at www.rsc.org.uk
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