The cast has been revealed for the Orange Tree Theatre’s major revival of T.S. Eliot’s classic Murder in the Cathedral. The play, presented in Richmond’s St John the Divine Church, is already poised to transfer to Theatre Royal Bath following it’s London run.
David Suchet will star as Thomas Becket, who’s internal struggle is a central focus of the play. Joining him in the cast are Mensah Bediako, Ben Caplan, Paul Hickey, Jyuddah Jaymes, Michael Lyle, Nick Sampson, Jad Sayegh and David Yelland.
OT’s Artistic Director, Tom Littler said today, ‘It’s a particular pleasure to welcome this exceptional company to join David Suchet, who leads the production as Becket. Murder in the Cathedral is one of the great achievements of twentieth century verse drama, and Eliot’s questions of conscience and power feel as urgent now as when he wrote them.
I’m especially proud that our Women of Canterbury will be played by members of our community ensemble, continuing the Orange Tree’s commitment to building genuine links with the people and communities around us. This is set to be a truly special production, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience it.’
The production runs at Richmond’s St John the Divine Church from 19 October until 7 November before transferring to Theatre Royal Bath.
The cast of Murder in the Cathedral
T.S. Eliot’s classic play dramatises the final days of Archbishop Thomas Becket in December 1170. Becket was exiled after a bitter conflict with King Henry II, after refusing to bend church law to the King’s will. After his return, he is confronted and assassinated inside Canterbury Cathedral by the knights of King Henry II.
The cast of the revival is set to include:
- David Suchet as Thomas Becket
- Michael Lyle as First Priest
- Paul Hickey as Second Priest
- Mensah Bediako as Third Priest
- Jyuddah Jaymes as First Tempter/First Knight
- Ben Caplan as Second Tempter/Second Knight
- Nick Sampson as Third Tempter/Third Knight
- David Yelland as Fourth Tempter/Fourth Knight
- Jad Sayegh as Messenger
The ensemble will also include Sally Cheng, Sonya Cullingford, Chyna-Rose Frederick and Rebecca Thorn as the Chorus,
For the performances in Richmond, the Women of Canterbury will be played by a community ensemble.
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