Michelle Terry and Declan Bennett lead cast in Henry V and Jesus Christ Superstar at the Open Air Theatre
REGENT’S Park Open Air Theatre has announced that Michelle Terry will play the title role of Henry V in director Robert Hastie’s new production; and Declan Bennett will lead the cast in Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar, directed by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s Artistic Director Timothy Sheader.
Part of Shakespeare400, Henry V is the second production in the venue’s 2016 season and runs from June 22 (previews from June 17) to July 9.
Follow your spirit: and upon this charge, Cry — God for Harry! England and Saint George!
As England triumphs at the Battle of Agincourt during her quest to win the French crown, Henry V becomes one of the great warrior kings leading “we happy few, we band of brothers” in Shakespeare’s retelling of this famous victory.
With a wealth of Shakespearean roles to her credit, Michelle Terry is most noted for her numerous roles at The Globe, RSC and the National Theatre (currently appearing in Cleansed), as well as Privacy (Donmar Warehouse) and Before the Party (Almeida). In 2011, she was awarded ‘Best Actress in a Supporting Role’ at the Olivier Awards for her portrayal of Sylvia in the Royal Court Theatre production of Tribes.
Donmar Associate Director Robert Hastie (Splendour, My Night with Reg) said: “Michelle has the compassion, the wit and the imagination that mark out the really great Shakespearean actors. I’m thrilled by what she’ll bring to Henry. There’s no-one I’d like to see play this part more.
“It’s tremendously exciting that we are collectively rethinking who has access to Shakespeare’s great roles. Henry V is a study in leadership and who we think is entitled to lead, as well as being a play about war and peace and England’s place in the world. This summer we’re expecting the results of a MOD consultation that aims to put female soldiers on the front line of combat, as well as the publication at last of the Chilcott report into why our country goes to war, and who we trust to take us there.
“As he has done pretty much every year since he died 400 years ago, Shakespeare is proving himself our contemporary. Our first night is the day before the EU referendum. I can’t think of a better time to stage this play about England’s relationship with its European neighbours.”
Henry V is designed by Anna Fleischle, who is nominated for an Olivier Award for Hangmen having recently won the Evening Standard Award for the same production.
Jesus Christ Superstar follows Henry V, running from July 21 (previews from July 15) to August 27.
Celebrating 45 years since Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s seminal musical first hit the stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has a legendary score, including I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Gethsemane and Superstar.
The original lead in the London cast of Once (Phoenix Theatre), Declan Bennett has also appeared in Boy George’s musical Taboo (Venue Theatre), RENT (US tour and Broadway) and American Idiot (Broadway). He also played Charlie Cotton in EastEnders.
As a solo singer-songwriter, his latest album Record:BREAKUP was released as a live acoustic version in 2013. He achieved five UK Top 20 singles, and a UK Top 20 album with Brit Award nominated boy band Point Break.
Jesus Christ Superstar has musical direction by Tom Deering (Made in Dagenham, From Here to Eternity), design by Tom Scutt (Constellations, Les Liaisons Dangereuses) and choreography by Drew McOnie (Jekyll & Hyde and Olivier Award nominee for Best Choreographer for In The Heights).
Speaking about casting the leads, Timothy Sheader, Artistic Director, said:
“Casting the iconic roles of Jesus and Henry V was about finding voices which would foster a new engagement with the stories. Declan’s music background brings a particular skill set and authenticity to this gig-like production of the show, and his past stage work in Rent, American Idiot and Once makes his Jesus a particularly exciting prospect.”
Further casting for both productions will be announced in due course.
The 2016 season also includes Michael Morpurgo’s Running Wild, adapted for the stage by Samuel Adamson (May 13 to June 12) and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, adapted for the stage by Simon Reade (September 2 to September 17).
To book tickets, call the box office on 0844 826 4242 or visit openairtheatre.com/.