King Lear

One of the pinnacles of world drama, and Shakespeare’s greatest masterpiece, King Lear is the most complete account we have of what it is – and what it is not – to be human.

The play launched Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory on an unsuspecting world in February 2000; the company is delighted to offer this new production to a much larger audience in 2012. 

King Lear is played by John Shrapnel.

Directed by Andrew Hilton
Designed by Harriet de Winton

John Shrapnel is a commanding actor with a long and enviable track record in both theatre and film. He has a huge raft of work with The National Theatre from Olivier’s days to Hytner’s, played in films for Warner Brothers, Dreamworks and Working Title and has worked extensively in Television and Radio. He recently played Gloucester opposite Pete Postlethwaite in Rupert Goold’s Liverpool Production.

“Andrew Hilton’s commanding production … is once again a revelation” Elizabeth Mahoney, The Guardian, on 2011’s Richard II

“One of the finest productions of Shakespeare – or any other playwright for that matter – seen in Bristol in years” Toby O’Connor Morse, The Independent, on the 2000 production of King Lear

Please note since first announced there has been a change to the casting. See Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory’s website for more details.

TF+ Lunchtime Talk

Sat 10 March
Click here for further info.

This show is part of our Suck it and See! scheme, which enables audiences to experience the breadth of our programme whilst saving money. Find full details here.