Full cast of in RSC’s Edward II revealed

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has unveiled the cast for its highly anticipated production of Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II, which will run at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from February 21 to April 5.

RSC’s co-artistic director Daniel Evans will take on the title role, marking his return to acting after a 14-year hiatus. Evans’ casting adds a personal touch to the production, as he steps back into the spotlight to portray the embattled medieval monarch. Joining him is Eloka Ivo, making his RSC debut as Gaveston, Edward’s lover. Ivo and Evans previously worked together when Evans directed Ivo in Black Superhero, creating a compelling reunion for the stage.

The production features an ensemble of fresh talent and seasoned performers. Making their RSC debuts are Ruta Gedmintas as Queen Isabella and Enzo Cilenti as Mortimer, adding depth to the play’s exploration of love, loyalty, and betrayal. The cast also includes Jacob James Beswick (Lightborn), Michael Cusick (ensemble), Stavros Demetraki (Spencer), Emilio Doorgasingh (Pembroke), Amy Dunn (ensemble), Geoffrey Lumb (Warwick), Kwaku Mills (Baldock), Evan Milton (Lancaster), Christopher Patrick Nolan (Bishop of Coventry), Henry Pettigrew (Kent), Joseph Rowe (ensemble), and Neil Sheffield (ensemble).

Directed by Daniel Raggett, this marks the first RSC production of Edward II since 1990. Raggett expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating;

I’m thrilled and deeply privileged to be working with this incredible cast on Edward II. This major Elizabethan drama hasn’t been seen at the RSC for over 30 years, and our production will breathe new life into it: honouring Marlowe’s razor-sharp writing whilst embodying everything that gives the original the propulsive energy of a thriller.

Raggett emphasized the play’s contemporary relevance, describing it as “a love story with a political edge.” He added, “This 400-year-old play has plenty to say about the supposedly liberal and progressive times in which we now live: when King Edward wants to rule alongside the man he loves, how much change can the establishment tolerate, and at what cost?”

The creative team for the production includes Leslie Travers (set and costume designer), Tim Lutkin (lighting designer), Roddy Hart and Tommy Reilly (composers), Tingying Dong (sound designer), Anthony and Kel Matsena (movement directors), Kev McCurdy (fight director), and Julia Horan (casting director).

With its stellar cast, visionary direction, and timely themes, Edward II promises to be a powerful addition to the RSC’s season, offering audiences a chance to rediscover Marlowe’s classic in a fresh and provocative light.

The RSC is also enhancing accessibility with 25,000 tickets priced at £25 or under throughout the season. For young audiences, the £10 TikTok ticket offers for those aged 14 to 25 will continue, ensuring that the magic of Shakespeare reaches the next generation.