Arcola’s critically-acclaimed production of RICHARD III has been selected to open the 2017 Alcalá Classics Festival in Madrid, Spain.
The festival showcases thrilling productions of classical plays from national and international companies. RICHARD III is, this year, the only entry from the United Kingdom.
Arcola’s Artistic Director Mehmet Ergen will direct the 18-strong cast, with RSC Associate Artist Greg Hicks in the title role. His “captivating central performance that stands with the best of recent times” (Time Out) has earned him an Off-West End award nomination for Best Performance (Male).
Alcalá de Henares was the birthplace of Cervantes, and was home to a major university during Shakespeare’s lifetime. This 17th edition of its classical theatre festival will bring 30 companies, and 31 shows, to Alcalá.
Mehmet Ergen said: “Though in the past we have transferred productions internationally, this will be the first time that Arcola’s work has been seen in Spain. It is very exciting to know that we, and Richard III, will reach new audiences abroad”.
■ RICHARD III plays at Arcola Theatre until 10 June, with tickets available from £12. It will then be at Alcalá Festival, Spain, on 15 and 16 June.
The critics on Richard III
★★★★ “A swift, clear, actor-driven rendition … Greg Hicks is a magnetic, darkly memorable king … Anthony Lamble has created a highly effective split-level set … and there are impressive performances from the 18-strong cast” —The Guardian
★★★★ “Greg Hicks is magnetic in a furiously intense version of Shakespeare’s brutal play … a captivating central performance that stands with the best of recent times … an accomplished supporting cast” —Time Out
★★★★★ “Hail King Greg! This is a performance to be seen and remembered.” —RemoteGoat
★★★★★ “In an age of ‘post-truth’ politics and in the run-up to the June 8 election, watching Mehmet Ergen’s fantastic production of Richard III is an unsettling experience” —Morning Star
★★★★ “Twistedly irresistible … three hours pass in alarmed fascination … Ergen’s production is above all ensemble: a real actors’ show” —Libby Purves
★★★★ “The entire cast worked well off each other … [Hicks’] dark, commanding presence creates a magnetic pull” —The Upcoming
★★★★ “Greg Hicks is rivetting. This searching production hits home. Hard.” —Islington and Hackney Gazette
★★★★ “A marvellous malevolent Richard … a fine staging by director Mehmet Ergen in which Greg Hicks gives a spell binding performance” —ReviewsGate
★★★★ “Excellent … a vibrant depiction of one of England’s most cruel sovereigns” —Everything Theatre