Jamie Lloyd will direct Game Of Thrones’ Kit Harington in a new modern version of Christopher Marlowe’s play Doctor Faustus at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre this April.
The star, who has found global fame playing Jon Snow in the world conquering HBO fantasy series, will take on the title role in Lloyd’s production of the dark Marlowe classic, which will feature two new acts by playwright Colin Teevan.
The 400-year-old story of the man who swaps his soul for the ability to do as his pleases with black magic will be brought bang up to date by transporting the action to a celebrity-obsessed society of greed and instant gratification.
In this all too familiar time, Faustus’ new skills catapult him into an intoxicating world of fame, as he becomes a world-renowned conjuror, international heartthrob and friend of the rich, famous and powerful. But, as everyone knows, if you dance with the devil things are going to get complicated, and Faustus must face the cost of his insatiable thirst for wealth and fame.
While Harington is now one of television’s most famous actors, he began his career on stage, appearing in War Horse at the National Theatre and in the Royal Court’s Posh. Speaking about what has drawn him back to the stage, Harington said “I have been away from the theatre for six years, so the combination of Colin Teevan’s inventive version of Marlowe’s extraordinary play in the hands of the visionary director Jamie Lloyd all felt like the perfect reason to come back. Faustus’ journey is exhilarating and the idea of playing a magician – a showman – is hugely exciting.”
Offering some more details about what will no doubt become one of the most anticipated productions of the season, Lloyd commented: “Kit Harington is one of the most dynamic young actors around and he’s eager for a new challenge. This version of this legendary play combines the very best of Marlowe’s text with thrilling work by Colin Teevan, which replaces the notorious central acts, long-suspected to be of spurious origin.”
The production comes at a busy time for the director, with the Orange Is The New Black star Uzo Aduba-led The Maids set to open at the Trafalgar Studios next month and play alongside Faustus until 1 May.
Like both The Maids and Lloyd’s current production of The Homecoming, which continues its run until 13 February, all Monday tickets for Faustus’ run will be just £15. A selection of these will be targeted to first time theatregoers and the remaining tickets will be released to the public monthly.
Doctor Faustus, which will feature designs by Lloyd’s frequent collaborator Soutra Gilmour, will play from 9 April to 4 June. Further casting is still to be announced.