Shakespeare Returns to Drury Lane: Weaver, Hiddleston, and Atwell Headline Historic Season
A stellar cast of stage and screen icons will grace the historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane this year, marking the venue's return to its Shakespearean roots after a 68-year hiatus. Acclaimed director Jamie Lloyd will helm a season featuring two classic plays, with Sigourney Weaver, Tom Hiddleston, and Hayley Atwell leading the charge.
The legendary Sigourney Weaver, a three-time Academy Award nominee, will make her West End debut as Prospero in *The Tempest*, a role last seen at Drury Lane in 1957 when John Gielgud starred in Peter Brook's production. This production marks a significant milestone, as it will be the first time Shakespeare has been performed at the venue since Brook's iconic staging.
Tom Hiddleston, renowned for his performances in stage and film, will reunite with director Lloyd to play Benedick in *Much Ado About Nothing*. This marks their second collaboration following their acclaimed work in Harold Pinter's *Betrayal*. Joining Hiddleston as Beatrice will be Hayley Atwell, marking her third collaboration with Lloyd. This dynamic duo will bring Shakespeare's beloved comedic characters to life in a production promised to be both bold and witty.
Lloyd, known for his innovative and contemporary approach to theatre, expressed his immense honour in being invited to bring Shakespeare back to Drury Lane. He praised the remarkable talent of the cast, particularly highlighting Weaver's iconic status and the collaborative synergy between Hiddleston and Atwell.
Andrew Lloyd Webber, the theatre's owner, shared his personal connection to the venue's Shakespearean legacy, recounting his childhood experience witnessing Gielgud's *The Tempest
at Drury Lane. He expressed his determination to revive Shakespeare at the theatre, proving wrong Gielgud's assertion that the venue would be forever "lost to musicals".
The season promises a remarkable experience for theatregoers, with both productions set to captivate audiences with their star-studded casts and Lloyd's signature directorial flair. *The Tempest
will open on Thursday 19 December 2024, with previews beginning on 7 December. The production will run until 1 February 2025. *Much Ado About Nothing* will open on Wednesday 19 February 2025, following previews from 10 February, and will run until 5 April 2025.
Tickets for both productions will be available on London Theatre, offering theatre enthusiasts the opportunity to witness this historic moment in theatrical history.
