Ian McKellen to Lead ‘Player Kings’, a Henry IV Adaptation, in the West End and Manchester

Ian McKellen is set to grace the stage once again, starring in ‘Player Kings’, a fresh adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Henry IV’, parts one and two. This new interpretation is penned by acclaimed playwright Robert Icke.

The historical narrative of Shakespeare’s ‘Henry IV’ focuses on Hal, a youthful prince poised to be king, and his escapades with the elder companion Falstaff against the backdrop of a brewing war. In this innovative version, McKellen will embody the character of Falstaff, a role he has never played before. Further casting details are yet to be announced.

The play is scheduled to run at the Noël Coward Theatre from April 1 to June 22, 2024, following preview shows at the New Wimbledon Theatre from March 1 to March 9, 2024, and at the Manchester Opera House from March 14 to March 23, 2024.

Robert Icke, known for his works like ‘1984’, ‘Uncle Vanya’, and ‘The Wild Duck’, expressed his excitement about the collaboration: “Working with Ian McKellen, one of our greatest Shakespearean actors, is a genuine honor. This production presents an intriguing challenge to condense two of Shakespeare’s plays into one, and I am eager to present ‘Player Kings’ to audiences both in the West End and nationally.”

The production team includes notable figures such as Hildegard Bechtler for design, Lee Curran for lighting, Gareth Fry for sound, Julia Horan for casting, and Kev McCurdy for fight design, all contributing to what promises to be a memorable theatrical experience.

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