RSC at the Novello Theatre...

Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, opens 9 Dec 2008, following previews from 3 Dec - running to 10 Jan 2009. Directed by Gregory Doran, designed by Robert Jones. Starring David Tennant (Hamlet), Patrick Stewart (Claudius), Penny Downie (Gertrude), Oliver Ford Davies (Polonius), David Ajala (Reynaldo), Sam Alexander (Rosencrantz/Second Gravedigger), Edward Bennett (Laertes), Ricky Champ (Lucianus) Ewen Cummins (Barnardo), Robert Curtis (Francisco), Tom Davey (Guildenstern), Peter De Jersey (Horatio), Samuel Dutton (Lord), Ryan Gage (Osric), Mariah Gale (Ophelia), Mark Hadfield (Gravedigger), Jim Hooper (Priest), Keith Osborn (Marcellus), Roderick Smith (Lord and Captain), Andrea Harris (Lady), Riann Steele (Lady) and Zoe Thorne (Lady and Player) and John Woodvine (Player King).

A Midsummer Night's Dream, by William Shakespeare, opens 20 Jan 2009, following previews from 15 Dec - running to 7 Feb 2009. Directed by Gregory Doran, designed by Francis O’Connor. Starring David Ajala (Cobweb) Sam Alexander (Philostrate/Fairy), Edward Bennett (Demetrius), Ricky Champ (Snout), Ewen Cummins (Snug), Robert Curtis (Theseus/Fairy), Tom Davey (Lysander), Peter de Jersey (Oberon), Joe Dixon (Bottom), Kathryn Drysdale (Hermia), Samuel Dutton (Mustardseed/Puppeteer), Mariah Gale (First Fairy /Peasblossom), Ryan Gage (Flute), Andrea Harris (Titania), Mark Hadfield (Puck) Jim Hooper (Starveling), Keith Osborn (Egeus/Fairy), Roderick Smith (Quince), Riann Steele (Hippolyta/Fairy) Zoe Thorne (Moth), Natalie Walter (Helena).

A Taming of the Shrew, by William Shakespeare, opens 17 Feb 2009, following previews from 12 Feb - running to 7 Mar 2009. Directed by Conall Morrison, designed by Francis O’Connor, costumes byJoan O’Clery. Starring Arsher Ali (Huntsman/Servant/Philip), Jade Anouka (Lady in Waiting/Servant/Nicholas) William Beck (Grumio), Keir Charles (Tranio), John Paul Connolly (Tailor), Simon Darwen (Haberdasher/Servant), Adrian Decosta (Huntsman/Servant/Nathaniel), Leonard Fenton (Vincentio), James Garnon (Curtis/Player), Amanda Hadingue (Lady/Widow), David Hargreaves (Baptista), Amara Karan (Bianca), Sean Kearns (Hortensio), Jack Laskey (Biondello), Patrick Moy (Lucentio), Will Sharpe (Bartholomew/Joseph), Peter Shorey (Gremio/Player), Larrington Walker (Merchant).

RSC at Wiltons Music Hall in east London...

The Tragedy of Thomas Hobbes, by Adriano Shaplin, opens 18 Nov 2008, following previews from 12 Nov - running to 6 Dec 2008. Directed by Adriano Shaplin and Elizabeth Freestone, designed by Soutra Gilmour, lighting by Johanna Town. Starring Arsher Ali, William Beck, Stephen Boxer, Keir Charles, John Paul Connolly, Simon Darwen, Adrian Decosta, Leonard Fenton, James Garnon, Amanda Hadingue, Jack Laskey, Will Sharpe, Peter Shorey, Larrington Walker, Angus Wright.. Set in London in 1658. The Civil War is over, the king has been executed, Oliver Cromwell has closed the theatres and the talk in the coffee houses is of revolution. Meanwhile England’s most famous philosopher is poised to do battle with a faction of young scientists.

The Cordelia Dream, By Marina Carr, opens 16 Dec 2008, following previews from 11 Dec - running to 10 Jan 2009. Directed by Selina Cartmell, designed by Giles Cadle, lighting by Matthew Richardson. Starring Michelle Gomez (Woman) and David Hargreaves (Man). A musician and his rival, a younger woman, are having a long-awaited conversation. As they spit their mutual malice with precision they question the hatred that has fuelled their desire to outdo each other in pursuit of art. With echoes of King Lear, The Cordelia Dream promises to unpick the belief that a muse must be made of love.