There’s been a lot of exciting casting news in Theatreland recently, and the good news keeps on coming with Shakespeare’s Globe announcing the full cast for their productions of Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II and Tom Stuart’s new play After Edward next year.
Marlowe’s Edward II focuses on the story of King Edward, who after recalling his lover Gaveston from banishment, sets in motion a chain of events that culminate in some of the most shocking scenes in early modern theatre. Directed by Nick Bagnall, this is a real Marlowe classic.
After Edward is a response to the Edward II production and sees Edward return to the stage once again, but in a very different state to before. This time he’s alone, bloodied and confused. He has no idea where he is, or how he got there, but he does have a horrible feeling that something is terribly wrong. Written specifically for the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, After Edward will be directed by Brendan O’Hea.
Since these plays are interlinked, the same cast will perform in both productions. Tom Stuart, who wrote After Edward, will play the title role of Edward in both shows. No stranger to the Globe, Tom has previously performed in many of their productions, including The Broken Heart, The Changeling (2015), Romeo & Juliet (2009) and Much Ado About Nothing (2007). This isn’t Tom’s first-time playing Edward either, having performed the role in the Battersea Arts Centre’s production of Edward II.
The full cast includes; Annette Badland, (Mortimer Senior in Edward II and Gertrude Stein in After Edward), Richard Bremmer, (Spencer Senior in Edward II and Leather Man in After Edward, as well as the Archbishop of Canterbury in both), Richard Cant, (Earl of Lancaster in Edward II and Quentin Crisp in After Edward), Polly Frame, (Earl of Kent in Edward II and Harvey Milk in After Edward), Jonathan Livingstone, (Mortimer Junior in Edward II and Edward Alleyn in After Edward), Sanchia McCormack, (Earl of Warwick in Edward II and Margaret Thatcher in After Edward), Colin Ryan, (Spencer Junior in Edward II and Cowboy in After Edward), Beru Tessema, (Gaveston in both productions) and Katie West, (Queen Isabella in Edward II and Dorothy Gale and Maria von Trapp in After Edward).
Edward II will open at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse on Thursday 7 February, followed by After Edward on Thursday 21 March. Tickets are available on the Shakespeare’s Globe’s website.