The Donmar Warehouse has announced full casting for the world premiere of Stuart Slade’s The King’s Ransom, which opens on 16 December 2026, with previews from 5 December, and runs until 6 February 2027.
Artistic Director Tim Sheader and Executive Director Henny Finch revealed the full company for the new production, which will be directed by Matthew Dunster.
Charlie Cox will play Vince, joined by Tom Fletcher as Charlie, Matthew Flynn as Mr Bluefield, Blake Harrison as Rusty, Leo Patrick as Jessie Lee, Jenny Rainsford as Rhonda/Jenny, Christopher Short as Elvis, Cherrelle Skeete as Mike, and Ronnie Yorke as Red.
The role of Martha will be shared by Ruby Barker, Eira Kay and Trixie Willis.
Inspired by one of the strangest crime stories in American history, The King’s Ransom follows a group of unlikely criminals in Memphis in 1977 as they attempt an audacious plot to steal the body of Elvis Presley and demand a million-dollar ransom.
The production is described as a Southern-fried dark comedy exploring grief, redemption and the pursuit of the American Dream through a spectacularly misguided heist.
The synopsis asks: “Stealin’ dead folk’s the American Dream?”
It continues: “Well, it’s always been an incredibly elastic concept – so yes.”
The creative team includes set designer Anna Fleischle, costume designer Jean Chan, lighting designer Sally Ferguson, sound designer Holly Khan, illusion designer Chris Cox, fight and intimacy directors Ruth Cooper-Brown and Rachel Bown-Williams of Rc-Annie, and casting director Lotte Hines CDG.
Playwright Stuart Slade is best known for works including BU21, Reality, Cans and the Bruntwood Prize-winning Glee & Me. Dunster returns to the Donmar following his acclaimed production of Dealer’s Choice.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
