Spacey tackles Shakespeare at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre

Oscar Award winning actor Kevin Spacey will come to Sydney this December to star in The Bridge Project’s production of Richard III. Directed by Sam Mendes, this Shakespearian epic will play 11 performances only at The Lyric Theatre, Star City from December 1.

Led by Kevin Spacey in the role of Richard III, the company features a formidable British/American cast that includes Maureen Anderman as the Duchess of York; Haydn Gwynne as Queen Elizabeth; Chuk Iwuji as Buckingham; Gemma Jones as Queen Margaret; and Chandler Williams as George, Duke of Clarence. Tickets are on sale from July 25 and are expected to sell out fast.

The announcement comes on the eve of The Bridge Project’s first performance of Richard III at The Old Vic in London. The show will then enjoy an international tour to Athens, Spain, Hong Kong, Singapore and Sydney’s Lyric Theatre before a final season at the joint home of The Bridge Project, BAM’s Harvey Theatre in New York in January 2012.

“We are absolutely delighted that the producers have selected Sydney as the host city for this collaboration. The exclusivity of the Sydney season of Richard III will help further position Sydney as the pre-eminent cultural capital of Australia.”, said Sydney Minister, George Souris.

Director Sam Mendes says: “I am absolutely delighted to be working with Kevin again for the first time since American Beauty… Richard III is a play I love, and a role I think Kevin is born to play.”

The Old Vic Artistic Director Kevin Spacey, who will play Richard III, says: “Sam is one of the finest directors I have had the pleasure to work with and to gain this opportunity is beyond my wildest hopes.”

Spacey also hopes to create an comprehensive educational program with the production, allowing students studying the work to gain more insight into the Shakespearian drama.

“It is also my hope to bring.. opportunities for emerging artists along with our travels, making an argument for the living theatre in all the major cities we will visit throughout 2011”, Spacey said.

Producers Andrew Kay & Liza McLean said “We are delighted to be working on The Bridge Project’s Richard III, featuring Kevin Spacey on stage, in a production directed by Sam Mendes exclusively in Sydney. We look forward to continuing to develop our relationship with BAM and The Old Vic providing opportunities to present such unique international theatre experiences to Australian audiences.”

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 25TH JULY
STRICTLY LIMITED SEASON – 11 PERFORMANCES ONLY!

Thursday 1st December – 8pm
Friday 2nd December – 8pm
Saturday 3rd December – 3pm & 8pm
Sunday 4th December – 3pm

Tuesday 6th December – 8pm
Wednesday 7th December – 8pm
Thursday 8th December – 8pm
Friday 9th December – 8pm
Saturday 10th December – 3pm & 8pm