The Upstart Crow cast announced for return to the West End

Casting has been confirmed for the West End return of The Upstart Crow.

After being forced to close in 2020 due to the pandemic, the production will return to London at the Apollo Theatre from 23 September to 3 December 2022. Tickets are on sale now here.

David Mitchell will once more don the bald wig and bardish coddling pouch in his iconic characterisation of Will Shakespeare. Also bringing their TV characters to life on stage once more are Gemma Whelan (DI Ray, Game of Thrones, Gentleman Jack) as Kate, Helen Monks (Raised by Wolves / Inside No. 9) as Susanna and Rob Rouse (Grownups) as Bottom.

Reprising their stage roles are Jason Callender (Shadow and Bone, 4 O’Clock Club) as Arragon, Danielle Phillips (Masters of the Air, Evening Standard Future Award 2021) as Judith and Reice Weathers (Story of My Life, Ted Lasso) as Mr Whiskers.

New to the cast are Olivier Award-winner John Gordon Sinclair (Gregory’s Girl, Traces) as Dr John Hall, Gloria Onitiri (Grace Jones in Urban Myths, The Bodyguard, West End run) as Desiree, and Stewart Wright (Smack the Pony, Love and Marriage) as Burbage.

The cast is completed by Andrew Hodges, Dedun Omole and Annabel Smith.

Book Upstart Crow tickets here »

Writer of both the TV series and stage adaptation Ben Elton said: “Besides Will and Kate many of the other characters from the TV sitcom feature in this new play. Hilarious Helen Monks is back as Shakespeare’s grumpy daughter Susanna.

“Top comic Rob Rouse will once again have us laughing at his Bottom! Gotta say, the brilliant new actors who are joining Upstart Crow for the first time will have to really pull up their puffling pants if they don’t want to get upstaged!”

Directed by Olivier award-winner Sean Foley (The Ladykillers, Jeeves and Wooster and The Miser), the production has set & costume design by Alice Power, lighting by Tim Mitchell and sound design by Andy Graham.

‘Tis 1605 and England’s greatest playwright is in trouble. Will Shakespeare has produced just two plays and desperately needs to maketh a brilliant new show to bolster his reputation and avoid being cast aside by King and country.

As time runs out, can Will hold on to his dream of being recognised now and for all time, as indisputably the greatest writer that ever lived?

For more information and tickets, visit nimaxtheatres.com