Downton Abbey star Jessica Brown Findlay will make her Almeida Theatre debut in Robert Icke’s forthcoming take on Aeschylus’ Oresteia when the Lia Williams-led production begins its run at the Islington venue next month.
Playing as part of the venue’s trilogy of Greek tragedies, Oresteia will bring its bloody and moving tale to the Almeida Theatre from 29 May to 18 July.
Joining Brown Findlay, who is best known for playing Lady Sybil in the much-loved ITV period drama, are Hara Yannas, who returns to the acclaimed venue following her performance in 1984, Angus Wright (The Cherry Orchard, Young Vic) and Joshua Higgott (Shakespeare In Love).
Other cast members include National Theatre regulars Lorna Brown (Medea) and Rudi Dharmalingam (Dara), RSC Associate Artist John Mackay, Ann Firbank (The Crucible), Ilan Galkoff (Matilda The Musical), Bobby Smalldridge (God Bless The Child), Luke Thompson (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s Globe) and Clara Read.
Completing the cast are Cameron Lane and Eve Salma, who both make their stage debuts in the production.
Oresteia will open at the Almeida Theatre following Simon Stephens’ Carmen Disruption, which begins previews tonight.
Icke’s interpretation of the Greek classic will be the first major production of the piece in more than a decade. It will be closely followed by playwright Rory Mullarkey’s adaptation at Shakespeare’s Globe from 29 August.