RSC ANNOUNCE FULL CASTING FOR THE ALCHEMIST
THE ALCHEMIST
By Ben Jonson
Directed by Polly Findlay
Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon (in repertoire): 26 May – 6 August 2016
Press night: Thursday 2 June 2016, 7pm
The Royal Shakespeare Company announces the full cast for its production of Ben Jonson’s The Alchemist, in performance in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon from 26 May – 6 August 2016.
Polly Findlay returns to the RSC after directing The Merchant of Venice in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre last year, to direct Ben Jonson’s hilarious satire that revels in just how vain humans can be.
Ken Nwosu (Othello, The Merchant of Venice, 2015) returns to the RSC to play butler-turned-fraudster, Face. Mark Lockyer, who recently featured in Rufus Norris’ 2015 film London Road, and last appeared on the Swan stage in Gregory Doran’s 2004 production of Othello, plays Face’s con-artist aide, Subtle. Siobhán McSweeney, who played Ruth Cheetham in hit Channel 4 drama No Offence (2015), and recently featured in Polly Findlay’s production of As You Like It at the National Theatre, plays their partner in crime, prostitute Dol Common. Ian Redford also returns to the RSC to play Sir Epicure Mammon. Ian last appeared on the Swan stage in The Roaring Girls season in 2014.
The full cast of The Alchemist includes: Will Bliss (Neighbour / Officer), John Cummins (Ananias), Ruth Everett (Neighbour), Gabriel Fleary (Neighbour / Officer), Theo Fraser Steele (Neighbour), Natey Jones (Neighbour / Officer), Richard Leeming (Abel Drugger), Mark Lockyer (Subtle), Tom McCall (Kastril), Joshua McCord (Dapper), Siobhán McSweeney (Dol Common), Hywel Morgan (Lovewit), Ken Nwosu (Face), Ian Redford (Sir Epicure Mammon), Rosa Robson (Dame Pliant), Tim Samuels (Sir Pertinax Surly), Timothy Speyer (Tribulation Wholesome), Eleanor Wyld (Neighbour).
The Alchemist is directed by Polly Findlay and designed by Helen Goddard, with lighting by Charles Balfour and sound by Gregory Clarke. The movement director is Clive Mendus, with fights by Kate Waters. Original prologue and script revisions by Stephen Jeffreys.
Notes to Editors
For further information, please contact philippa.harland@rsc.org.uk 0207 845 0512 or amy.belson@rsc.org.uk 01789 412622.
For press tickets please contact dean.asker@rsc.org.uk 01789 412660
For press images, please register at www.rsc.org.uk/press-images
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To book tickets call 01789 403493 or online at www.rsc.org.uk
The RSC Acting Companies are generously supported by THE GATSBY CHARITABLE FOUNDATION and THE KOVNER FOUNDATION
BP £5 tickets and BP Shakespeare Pass for 16-25s
The BP £5 tickets and BP Shakespeare Pass for 16 – 25 year olds gives access to £5 tickets for all RSC productions whether we are performing in Stratford-upon-Avon, London or on tour. The pass enables 16-25 year olds to see five shows in Stratford-upon-Avon for £20 – the cheapest way to enjoy shows at the RSC. Tickets can be booked in advance on the phone, online or in person with some available for sale on the day of the performance. The scheme is supported by Project Partner, BP.
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