Christopher Eccleston and Jodie Whittaker will star in Polly Findlay’s production of Antigone at the National Theatre adding to the star-studded 2012 season at the Southbank venue.
Don Taylor’s new version of Sophocles’s tragedy opens on 30 May (previews from 23 May) in the venue’s Olivier theatre. Former Dr Who star Eccleston will play Creon, a tyrant who angers the Gods when he condemns his young niece Antigone (Whittaker) to be buried alive.
Although best known for his extensive screen work, Eccleston’s CV also boasts many theatre credits with the actor last seen on the London stage starring opposite Gillian Anderson in A Doll’s House at the Donmar Warehouse. At the National Theatre Eccleston has previously been seen in Bent and Abingdon, as well as appearing in Miss Julie in the West End, Waiting At The Water’s Edge at the Bush theatre and Aide-Memoire at the Royal Court.
First gaining recognition in the long-running series Cracker, Eccleston went on to appear as the ninth incarnation of The Doctor in Dr Who, as well as performing starring roles in The Borrowers, The Shadow Line, Perfect Parents, and appearing in numerous films including G.I. Joe, The Dark Is Rising, 28 Days Later and Elizabeth.
Whittaker is also best known for her screen work having appeared in television series Cranford, The Night Watch, Marchlands, Royal Wedding and The Accused, which Eccleston also appeared in. The actress’s film appearances include Good Vibrations, Ashes, One Day and Attack The Block. On stage her credits include Awake And Sing! and Enemies at the Almeida theatre, The Storm at Shakespeare’s Globe and Bash at the Trafalgar Studios.
Findlay’s production was announced last month as part of the National Theatre’s 2012 season which will also see Adrian Lester, Julie Walters, Cillian Murphy and Rory Kinnear take leading roles at the much-lauded venue.
CM