A new staging of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, adapted by Terence Rattigan and John Gielgud and directed by Michael Fentiman, tells an epic story of love and sacrifice set against the French Revolution.
This Marlowe Theatre, production stars Martin Bassindale (Stryver and Defarge), Scarlett Brookes (Miss Pross, Judge and Road Mender), Samuel Collings (Sydney Carton and Marquis de St. Evrémonde), Daniel Hickey (Ensemble), Jasmine Kerr (Ensemble), Jordan Loughran (Lucie Manette and Seamstress), Roger Ringrose (Lorry and Gabelle), Ed Sayer (Charles Darnay and Brother of Marquis de St. Evrémonde), Robyn Sinclair (Madame Defarge, Attorney General and Patrol), Simon Startin (Barsad and Gaspard) and François Testory (Dr. Manette and François).
A Tale of Two Cities is directed by Michael Fentiman (Amélie, Titus Andronicus, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Loot).
Michael Fentiman, Director: “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.”
“It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” – In 1770s Paris, revolution is stirring. Sydney Carton is a brilliant yet cynical barrister from England. Charles Darnay is the rebel child of French aristocrats. When they both fall for charming émigré Lucie Manette, a chain of events is set in motion which will endanger everyone. As the Reign of Terror rages on the streets of Paris, for some, love is a lifeline; for others, a sentence to the guillotine.
Adapted for stage by Terence Rattigan (The Winslow Boy, The Deep Blue Sea) and John Gielgud, based on one of the best-selling novels of all time, this epic story of love, sacrifice and redemption asks: is there any price too great to pay for love?
With direction by Michael Fentiman, the production will include set design by Max Jones, costume design by Kinnetia Isidore, lighting design by Ben Jacobs, sound design by Richard Hammarton, music by Barnaby Race, video design by Nina Dunn for PixelLux, wigs, hair & make-up design by Susanna Peretz, casting by Helena Palmer CDG, and fights by Jonathan Holby. Audrey Brisson will serve as Creative Associate, with Pip Minnithorpe as Associate Director, and award-winning playwright Leo Butler will act as dramaturg.
The Terence Rattigan Charitable Trust: “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: “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.
Main image: François Testory, Credit Simona Aru/Jordan Loughran, Credit Jeremy Ang/ Ed Sayer and Robyn Sinclair, Credit Yellow/Belly
