It has been confirmed that the iconic veteran actor Derek Jacobi is joining the cast of the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company production of Romeo and Juliet
The widely-respected actor will play Mercutio at the Garrick Theatre in 2016
Derek Jacobi will play the role of Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet at the Garrick Theatre next year. The much-loved actor will join his fellow Cinderella co-stars, playing alongside Richard Madden as Romeo and Lily James as Juliet.
Jacobi boasts an impressive number of prominent stage credits, including King Lear, Heartbreak House, The Tempest, Richard III and Richard II, Macbeth, two productions of Twelfth Night of which Jacobi won an Olivier Award for Best Actor, Anthony and Cleopatra, Ivanov and three productions of Hamlet.
A commanding stage presence
The English actor and stage director who has been described as having a “forceful, commanding stage presence”, has many film credits to his name, including The King’s Speech, Cinderella, Grace of Monaco, A Bunch of Amateurs, and many more.
The twice Laurence Olivier Award winning actor is also a familiar face on television, having starred in numerous series and programmes, including Doctor Who, Last Tango in Halifax, Miss Marple, Murder at the Vicarage, The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes, amongst many others.
Derek Jacobi spoke of his enthusiasm of playing in a Shakespeare play.
“It’s always a privilege to return to Shakespeare. The role of Mercutio is an exciting and intriguing challenge to take on. I’m particularly happy to tackle it in the company of Richard Madden and Lily James, with whom I had such an exciting working relationship in Cinderella.”
The 76-year-old actor has had a long working partnership with Kenneth Branagh.
Sharing his respect for Jacobi, Branagh said:
“Sir Derek Jacobi has been an inspiration to so many actors and audiences throughout his brilliant career. To see him in Shakespeare is an event in itself. It’s an honour to welcome this wonderful artist to our season of plays at the Garrick.”
The Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company’s production is running at the Garrick Theatre from 12 May 2016 until 13 August 2016.
