Initial lead casting announced for Yaël Farber revival of The Winter’s Tale at the RSC
The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced that Bertie Carvel, Madeline Appiah, Aïcha Kossoko and John Light will lead the cast of The Winter’s Tale, directed by Yaël Farber in her RSC debut. The production opens at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon on 12 July for a seven-week summer run.
Carvel, who plays Leontes, returns to the RSC for the first time since originating the role of Miss Trunchbull in Matilda the Musical in 2010. He is joined by Appiah as Hermione, Kossoko as Paulina, and Light as Polixenes, in what promises to be a bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s complex story of jealousy, grief, and forgiveness.
Yaël Farber, acclaimed for her productions of King Lear and Macbeth at the Almeida Theatre, described The Winter’s Tale as “a fusion of gritty tragedy and leaps of faith.” On working with the newly announced cast, Farber called Carvel “an extraordinary artist” and praised Appiah for embodying “not just grace and empathy but ferocity.” Kossoko’s Paulina, she said, represents “a feminism of transformative, fireborne love,” while Light brings “calibre” and gravitas to the role of Polixenes.
“We are in such a stark and brutal time in the world,” Farber added. “I am most interested right now in the possibility of redemption—a redemption that is earned.”
Co-Artistic Directors Tamara Harvey and Daniel Evans said they were “overjoyed” to welcome Farber to the RSC, highlighting her ability to connect with “the deeply primal, cosmic even,” and describing her approach as “utterly compelling and enigmatic.”
Carvel, a two-time Olivier Award and Tony Award winner, is known for his transformative performances on stage and screen, including roles in Ink, Pygmalion, The Crown, Dalgliesh, and Joel Coen’s The Tragedy of Macbeth. Appiah, who last appeared with the RSC in 2012, has starred in the West End production of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical originating the role of Zelma Bullock, and In The Long Run alongside Idris Elba.
Kossoko most recently appeared in Kyoto at Soho Place and has an extensive stage and screen career across classical and contemporary roles. Light returns to the RSC after nearly two decades, bringing experience from productions such as Mary Stuart, The Book of Dust, and The Son.
The production team includes Soutra Gilmour (Set and Costume Design), Tim Lutkin (Lighting), Max Perryment (Composer), Imogen Knight (Movement), and Yarit Dor (Fight and Intimacy). Julia Horan CDG serves as Casting Director, with dramaturgy by Drew Lichtenberg.
The Winter’s Tale runs from 12 July to 30 August 2025 at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon. Tickets and more information are available at rsc.org.uk.
Related News
Fences Reviews: critics enjoyed Ray Fearon’s performance, but are split on whether the pacing pays off
First look: production photos for August Wilson’s Fences – coming to the Lyric Hammersmith
Winter is coming to London: Game of Thrones: The Mad King confirms West End transfer
Thom Yorke’s Shakespeare mashup Hamlet Hail to the Thief announces full cast for London Premiere
Latest News
Annie returns to Broadway for 50th anniversary production
Everything you need to know about Into the Woods, Sondheim’s fairy tale mashup musical
Phantom of the Opera to mark 40 years in the West End with special gala performance
