Kit Harington returns to the London stage
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
KIT Harington is returning to the London stage to star in The Jamie Lloyd Company’s production of Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus. Described as an explosive and magical new production, it runs at the Duke of York’s Theatre from April 9 to June 4, 2016.
Faustus makes a pact with the Devil, selling his soul in return for the ability to perform absolutely anything he pleases with the power of black magic. This fatal decision catapults him into an intoxicating world of celebrity, as he becomes a world-renowned conjuror, international heartthrob and friend of the rich, famous and powerful. But what is the cost of his insatiable thirst for wealth and fame?
With blackly comic new scenes by Colin Teevan and dynamic stage illusions, the story of this 400-year-old play is transported to a celebrity-obsessed society of greed and instant gratification, offering a fresh, new perspective that reflects our times.
Kit Harington, who previously appeared on the London stage playing Albert in War Horse, is well known for his screen roles in Game of Thrones (as Jon Snow), Spooks: The Greater Good and Pompei.
Speaking about his return to the stage, he said: “I have been away from the theatre for six years, so the combination of Colin Teevan’s inventive version of Marlowe’s extraordinary play in the hands of the visionary director Jamie Lloyd all felt like the perfect reason to come back. Faustus’ journey is exhilarating and the idea of playing a magician – a showman – is hugely exciting.”
Doctor Faustus will be designed by Soutra Gilmour, with lighting by Jon Clark, and music and sound by Ben and Max Ringham. Further casting will be announced shortly.
Chichester Festival Theatre’s production of Goodnight Mister Tom continues at the Duke of York’s Theatre until February 20. It will be followed – from February 24 to March 26, 2016 – by James Macdonald’s acclaimed production of The Father.