by Lee Simpson and Phelim McDermott

Based on the MGM/Sam Jaffe/Harbor Productions film an idea by Stanley Mann and John Kohn and the screenplay by Anthony Greville Bell by special arrangement with MGM on Stage

A collaboration between the National Theatre and Improbable.

Titus Andronicus… Oh Crikey.

Seven self-regarding critics assemble at a disused theatre in response to a mysterious invitation. Too late they discover its gruesome purpose as Edward Lionheart, an actor frenzied by a lifetime of sneering reviews, hacks his revengeful way through the bloody works of Shakespeare, assisted by a gang of murderous tramps.

The laws of theatre supersede the laws of physics in this macabre exhibition of putty noses, Kensington gore and some very large acting indeed.

Jim Broadbent returns to the National to play Lionheart.

Visit www.bloodandguts.co.uk to see a flash presentation about the show.

This show is recommended for 14yrs and up.

Improbable’s previous work includes: 70 Hill Lane, Animo, Lifegame (seen at the NT in May 2004), Cinderella, Coma, Sticky, Spirit and The Hanging Man. They have toured to nineteen countries, winning five major awards in the process.

‘Improbable is one of the brilliant faces of British Theatre.’ Observer

http://www.improbable.co.uk

Director: Phelim McDermott
Designer: Rae Smith
Associate Director: Lee Simpson
Lighting Designer: Colin Grenfell
Music: Joby Talbot
Published by Chester Music Limited
Fight Director: Terry King
Sound Designer: Gareth Fry

Cast:
Chorus : Gerard Bell
George Maxwell : Paul Bentall
Michael Merridew : Bette Bourne
Edward Lionheart : Jim Broadbent
Sally Patterson : Hayley Carmichael
Chloe Moon : Sally Dexter
Chorus : Stephen Harper
Chorus : Nick Haverson
Peter Delvin : Mark Lockyer
Oliver Larding : Tim McMullan
Chorus : Rachael Spence
Trevor Dickens :Steve Steen
Miranda Lionheart : Rachael Stirling
Chorus : Victoria Willing
Chorus : Edward Woodall

National Theatre