FOLLOWING its acclaimed performances during the 2016 repertoire in both Stratford-upon-Avon and at the Barbican in London, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Artistic Director, Gregory Doran, is reviving his production of King Lear.

Opening on May 23 and running through to June 9 it will feature RSC Honorary Associate Artist Antony Sher returning in the title role.

Antony Sher reprises his performance in one of the greatest parts written by Shakespeare in this production which will enjoy a limited run in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (RST) after touring to New York to play at the Harvey Theater at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) in April.

Along with many other members of the original cast, David Troughton and Antony Byrne return to play Gloucester and Kent respectively.

Troughton, who recently became an RSC Honorary Associate Artist, will also play Falstaff in The Merry Wives of Windsor in the RST next season.  Sher is currently playing Antony in Antony and Cleopatra at the Barbican.

Mimi Ndiweni joins the company as Cordelia.  Her previous RSC credits include Wendy and Peter Pan, The Taming of the Shrew and Revolt. She said. Revolt Again.

The cast also includes: Romayne Andrews (Regan’s Servant), James Clyde (Cornwall), James Cooney (Regan’s Servant), Patrick Elue (Burgundy), Kevin N Golding (Curan), Tracy-Anne Green (Regan’s Servant), Nia Gwynne (Goneril), Oliver Johnstone (Edgar), Whitney Kehinde (Regan’s Messenger), Byron Mondahl (Oswald), Esther Niles (Regan’s Messenger), John Omole (Lear’s Gentleman), Clarence Smith (Albany), Buom Tihngang (Edmund), Graham Turner (Fool), Ewart James Walters (Old Man) and Kelly Williams (Regan).

The creative team for King Lear remains the same as in the original production, with set and costumes designed by Niki Turner; lighting by Tim Mitchell, movement by Michael Ashcroft. Sound is by Jonathan Ruddick and music is composed by Ilona Sekacz. The fights will be choreographed by Bret Yount.

Meanwhile, from May 19, the RSC will, for the first time, host an exhibition of the works of art created by Antony Sher.

Sher, who has been performing with the RSC for over 35 years, has taken inspiration from the rehearsal room and on-stage performances, creating a captivating account of his experiences through compelling artworki.

With large scale oil paintings, drawings and doodles, the display of over 40 works of art will offer a fascinating peek into the theatrical process, giving an insight into Sher’s preparation for two of his most memorable roles, Sir John Falstaff (Henry IV) and King Lear.

Artworks from the exhibition will be sold, and part of the profits will go to the Stitch In Time campaign to restore and redevelop the RSC’s Costume Workshop.

Antony Sher is a generous member of the Costume Workshop Council. For more information on how to support this campaign please visit rsc.org.uk/stitchintime

The exhibition - Mad King/Fat Knight – Paintings and Drawings by Antony Sher - is being staged in the PACCAR Room on level two of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and entry is free.