A Season of Bold Visions: Redefining Classics and Embracing New Narratives
Jonathan Groff's Debut: A Fresh Take on "As You Like It"
Acclaimed Broadway star Jonathan Groff is set to make his much-anticipated debut with the Royal Shakespeare Company, taking on the iconic role of Rosalind in an all-male production of Shakespeare's beloved comedy, "As You Like It." Directed by RSC co-artistic director Daniel Evans, this staging promises a unique exploration of gender and performance within a classical framework. Groff, celebrated for his roles in "Spring Awakening," Disney's "Frozen," and the recent revival of "Merrily We Roll Along," will be joined by Fisayo Akinade as Celia, known for his work in Channel 4's "Cucumber" and "Banana," and Netflix's "Heartstopper." This production is scheduled to run from September 26 to November 7 at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Harriet Walter Returns: An All-Female "Julius Caesar"
Harriet Walter will rejoin the company to revive her powerful portrayal of Brutus in Phyllida Lloyd's 2012 Donmar Warehouse production of "Julius Caesar." This all-female interpretation, originally staged under the leadership of Josie Rourke and Kate Pakenham, sets the classic tragedy within the confines of a women's prison. Co-produced with KPPL Productions, this revival will tour secondary schools across England from September 21 to October 23, culminating in a run at The Other Place from November 5-28.
Educational Outreach and Community Engagement
The school tour of "Julius Caesar" highlights the RSC's commitment to educational partnerships, marking two decades of impactful outreach. The company's Associate Schools Program currently engages over 280 schools in 100 towns and cities throughout England. Each performance on tour will be complemented by interactive workshops and post-show discussions, with the touring initiative concluding with a Young Creatives Festival at The Other Place on November 21.
Literary Masterpiece on Stage: "Middlemarch" Adaptation
The Swan Theatre will host a two-part theatrical adaptation of George Eliot's seminal novel, "Middlemarch." Nina Raine is responsible for the adaptation, with Jeremy Herrin directing this co-production with Second Half Productions. Part 1 is slated to open on October 1, followed by Part 2 on October 10, with both parts running through January 16.
A Swashbuckling Adventure: "The Three Musketeers"
Completing the season's offerings, the theater company Told by an Idiot will bring Alexandre Dumas's classic adventure, "The Three Musketeers," to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. This new adaptation is written and directed by Paul Hunter, co-founder and artistic director of the company, and will run from November 28 through January 9.
Anticipated Premiere: "Game of Thrones: The Mad King"
Further enriching the season is the previously announced world premiere of "Game of Thrones: The Mad King." Written by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke, this highly anticipated production will debut at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in the summer of 2026. This co-production involves Simon Painter, Tim Lawson, Mark Manuel, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures (on behalf of HBO), and Sir Leonard Blavatnik and Danny Cohen for Access Entertainment.
Artistic Vision: Identity, Transformation, and Freedom
RSC co-artistic directors Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey articulated that the upcoming season profoundly explores themes of "identity, transformation, freedom, justice, and the liberation that arises from defying expectations." They emphasized that classic narratives and universal struggles will gain powerful new relevance through the interpretation of contemporary artists, promising a thought-provoking and engaging theatrical experience.