The Marlowe Theatre has announced the full cast and UK tour dates for the premiere production of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, adapted for the stage by Terence Rattigan and John Gielgud.
The production opens at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from 14 to 19 September, with a press night on 17 September, before transferring to Leeds Playhouse from 22 to 26 September.
The tour will continue in 2027, visiting Theatre Royal Bath, Cheltenham Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre, King’s Theatre Edinburgh and Theatre Clwyd, with further dates still to be announced.
Directed by Michael Fentiman, the cast includes Martin Bassindale, Scarlett Brookes, Samuel Collings, Daniel Hickey, Jasmine Kerr, Jordan Loughran, Roger Ringrose, Ed Sayer, Robyn Sinclair, Simon Startin and François Testory.
Based on one of the best-selling novels of all time, A Tale of Two Cities follows Sydney Carton and Charles Darnay, whose lives become intertwined through their love for Lucie Manette against the backdrop of revolutionary France and the Reign of Terror.
Deborah Shaw, Chief Executive at the Marlowe Theatre, said, “This second national tour by Marlowe Theatre Productions will have our trademark quality and ambition, bringing Dickens’ much-loved novel to thrilling life in Rattigan’s emotionally charged adaptation, seen here in a major production for the very first time. With a top-class creative team led by director Michael Fentiman and a strong ensemble of actors, we’re delighted to be creating this work in Kent, to be enjoyed by audiences across England, Scotland and Wales.”
Michael Fentiman said: “I’m thrilled that we’re now able to share this extraordinary company and the first tour dates for A Tale of Two Cities. We’ve assembled a remarkable cast and I can’t wait for audiences to see them bring the extraordinary world of A Tale of Two Cities to life.
“I’m thrilled that we will visit so many beautiful and important theatres across the UK, giving audiences the opportunity to rediscover one of our greatest novels in what I believe will be a bold new production.
“We will endeavour to honour the richness of the original while creating a staging that vibrates with all of the excitement and invention of the modern theatre. I can’t wait to start.”
The creative team includes set designer Max Jones, costume designer Kinnetia Isidore, lighting designer Ben Jacobs, sound designer Richard Hammarton, composer Barnaby Race, video designer Nina Dunn for PixelLux, wigs, hair and make-up designer Susanna Peretz, casting director Helena Palmer CDG and fight director Jonathan Holby.
The Terence Rattigan Charitable Trust said: “We’re delighted that Terence Rattigan and John Gielgud’s remarkable adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities is now coming to life in this major new production. It’s wonderful to see such an outstanding cast bringing their work to audiences across the UK, introducing a new generation to this powerful theatrical interpretation of Dickens’ classic.
“Rattigan’s writing continues to resonate with audiences through its humanity and theatrical craftsmanship, and we’re thrilled that this ambitious production will showcase the enduring strength of his work in theatres around the country.”
The Sir John Gielgud Charitable Trust added: “We are delighted that there is a new stage production of this play and wish the cast and crew every success”
A Tale of Two Cities is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
