Olivier Award winner Jenna Russell will cross over to the dark side this spring to take on the role of Mephistopheles opposite Kit Harington in Jamie Lloyd’s forthcoming Doctor Faustus.
The much loved stage actor will use her double Olivier Award-winning charms to cast a spell over Game Of Thrones’ Harington as the legendary story’s manipulative demon at the Duke Of York’s Theatre from 9 April.
Due to – somewhat predictable – demand following the announcement of Harington’s return to the stage in Colin Teevan’s new modern update on Christopher Marlowe’s demonic drama, the production has extended its run by three weeks to 25 June.
Russell will follow high profile roles in Grey Gardens, Urinetown The Musical and Merrily We Roll Along to lead as the temptress who offers Faustus the powers of black magic and fame all in return for just his soul. Following in the footsteps of Lloyd’s many innovative takes on classic texts including the Martin Freeman-led Richard III and Macbeth starring James McAvoy, the action will be transported to an all-familiar celebrity obsessed society, where greed and instant gratification rule.
The pair will be joined in the cast by an equally talented company of stage regulars, including one of Lloyd’s most regular collaborators Forbes Masson (The Ruling Class, Richard III and Macbeth).
Making her West End debut in the production is one of theatre’s most exciting rising stars, Jade Anouka, who follows critically acclaimed appearances in the Donmar Warehouse’s Julius Caesar and her award-winning turn in Shakespeare’s Globe’s Hamlet.
She will be joined by regular London theatre performers Tom Edden (One Man, Two Guvnors; Peter Pan Goes Wrong; Les Misérables), Brian Gilligan, who appeared in Lloyd’s musical hit The Commitments, and National Theatre regular Craig Stein (Carousel, Nation, FELA!).
Completing the cast are Royal Shakespeare Company regular Gabby Wong (Volpone, Love’s Sacrifice, Jew Of Malta) and Danielle Flett (Noises Off, The Old Vic).
Like Lloyd’s current production of The Maids, Monday tickets for Doctor Faustus’ run bought through the show’s website and in person will be just £15. A selection of these will be targeted to first time theatregoers and the remaining tickets will be released to the public monthly.