The cast for this summer’s highly-anticipated production of Henry I, written by Beth Flintoff, has been released by RABBLE Theatre. An inclusive and diverse cast that speaks boldly of the company’s ambition to truly represent our society, balances high-end experience with success generated by the company’s own career development pipeline.
Off West End nominee (Lead Actor), Joseph Black joins the company for the first time as Roger, spiritual guide to King Henry. Amy Conachan is probably best recognised for her role as Courtney Campbell in Hollyoaks, but her stage career is clearly developing into something special. In Henry I, Amy takes on one of the most revered females in history; Adela, Countess of Blois and elder sister to King Henry.
Seasoned stage actor Matthew Douglas takes on the imposing role of one history’s most sadistic Lord’s, Robert de Belleme and Anjellica Serra will play Agnes of Ponthieu & Juliana of Breteuil, having recently finished filming the HBO/SKY horror comedy ‘The Baby’ (2022).
RABBLE have a strong career development track record, proven in this instance by the story of Georgie Fellows, who first came to RABBLE as an actor-intern in the original 2016 production of the show. She went on to train at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama and has since acted at The Royal Court and Sam Wannamaker Festival. She takes on the roles of Queen Edith and Mabel.
“My first connection with RABBLE began as a green teen intern in this exciting production of Henry I back in 2016. 6 years on I’m thrilled to be involved again with this vibrant historical play. I can’t wait to work with this brilliant team again and their innovative ideas.” Georgie Fellows
Gabrielle Sheppard will no doubt enjoy exploring the role of Henry’s elder brother, William Rufus, famed for his sexual appetite and mischievous nature, from her perspective.
The hilarious Mark Middleton, recently returned from The National Theatre’s Middle, has worked with RABBLE to high acclaim for many years now, in such productions as Henry II, A Christmas Carol, Much Ado About Nothing and Romeo and Juliet. The furious yet pathetic Robert Curthose (eldest brother of Henry) could be the role that he is best remembered for, as it’s a role that offers so much.
Toby W. Davies, the company’s co-founder and co-artistic director, returns to the title role, having helped earn the production two awards and multiple five-star reviews when the play was first produced in 2016. Toby trained as an actor at the prestigious Bristol Old Vic Theatre School where he met Dani, with whom he went on to establish the company in 2012.
“I’m deeply grateful to the team for supporting me as I take on the challenge of Henry again. It’s an immense role that I am genuinely honoured to be playing again, in three extraordinary venues.” Toby W. Davies
Alongside the professional company, RABBLE’s Career Development Programme remains one of the leading pathways for local people to emerge into the arts industry. In Henry I, RABBLE are pleased to have partnered with Make/Sense Theatre, who specialise in working with SEND members of the community to offer two paid acting internships, funded by The Worshipful Company of Grocers. Along with two other paid actor interns, supported by Berkshire Community Foundation & Wellington College, the community cast will be allocated professional actor mentors from the cast. Finally, funded by The Fenton Arts Trust, local children will play Henry’s grandchildren.
Staged in Reading Abbey, where King Henry is buried, The Great Hall of Winchester, where he was crowned, and The Actor’s Church, Covent Garden, Henry I promises to be one of Reading’s most inspiring cultural events for many years.
Booking for Henry I is open now and all tickets can be found at https://rabbletheatre.com/.
