The Royal Shakespeare Company’s joyous adaptation of Don Quixote will transfer to the West End in October, along with original cast members David Threlfall and Rufus Hound.
Miguel de Cervantes’ iconic novel – which tells the farcical tale of a self-fashioned travelling knight, Don Quixote (played by Threlfall) and his faithful squire, Sancho Panza (Hound) – was staged to great acclaim by the RSC in Stratford-upon-Avon in spring 2016, and now makes its long-awaited move to the West End’s Garrick Theatre.
Adapted by the award-winning poet, journalist and critic James Fenton, Don Quixote is a brilliantly energised, music-filled adaptation of a comic epic. Expect a devilishly fun world of rogues, merchants, shepherds, galley-slaves, windmills – and rampant, absurd adventures.
Performances will begin from 27 October 2018, playing until 2 February 2019.
David Threlfall in the original RSC production of Don Quixote (Photo: Helen Maybanks)
After a lifetime of reading books on chivalry, Don Quixote decides to embark on a quest of his own. Taking up a lance and sword, he sets out to become a wandering knight, defending the helpless and vanquishing the wicked. Hopelessly unprepared and increasingly losing his grip on reality, he travels across Spain accompanied by his faithful and equally ill-suited squire, Sancho Panza.
RSC Artistic Director Gregory Doran said, “Don Quixote’s journey with his faithful sidekick is one of the world’s most famous stories, and James Fenton’s glorious adaptation brings Cervantes’ novel wonderfully to life.
“First staged in Stratford-upon-Avon to mark the 400th anniversary of Cervantes’ death, David Threlfall will reprise his mesmerising performance in the title role, with Rufus Hound once again playing his long-suffering companion Sancho Panza.
“London audiences will get the chance to see them recreate their chemistry on stage and I encourage everyone to discover this hilarious, profound and lyrical adaptation of a classic tale.”
Threlfall is perhaps best known for his leading role as Frank Gallagher in Channel 4’s Shameless, while actor and comedian Rufus Hound is a favourite in the West End for his performances in the likes of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Savoy Theatre), One Man Two Guvnors (NT/West End), and Wind In The Willows (London Palladium).
Find adventure: get your Don Quixote tickets here!