The Old Vic has revealed the opening productions in Rupert Goold’s inaugural season as Artistic Director, with a programme that brings together Shakespeare, contemporary drama, musical theatre and political storytelling.
The season begins in January with Henry V, starring Damian Lewis in the title role and directed by Goold. Shakespeare’s history play follows England’s warrior king from the siege of Harfleur to the Battle of Agincourt in a new production that explores the nature of leadership and legacy.
In April, Milly Alcock will make her Old Vic debut in Julie, Rebecca Frecknall’s contemporary adaptation of August Strindberg’s Miss Julie. The drama follows a young woman whose encounter with two employees on the night of her birthday spirals into a destructive battle of class, power and desire.
Goold will then direct Stephen Sondheim and John Weidman’s Tony Award-winning musical Assassins from June. The provocative satire brings together a collection of figures who attempted to assassinate Presidents of the United States, examining violence, celebrity and political disillusionment in American history.
Completing the first wave of announcements is Kohlhaas, which opens in August and stars Arinzé Kene. Directed by Omar Elerian, the solo show is based on Marco Baliani and Remo Rostagno’s adaptation of Heinrich von Kleist’s novella Michael Kohlhaas and tells the story of a man driven to challenge a corrupt political system after suffering a profound injustice.
The production reunites Kene and Elerian following their Olivier Award-nominated collaboration on Misty. Originally produced by Brighton Festival, the work explores protest, resistance and the consequences of speaking truth to power.
Priority booking for Old Vic Members opens from 12 noon today ahead of general sale, which begins at 12 noon on 16 November.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
