Olivier Award-winning actor Sarah Woodward has joined the cast of Shakespeare’s Globe’s forthcoming Charles Edwards-led Richard II, alongside her former Curious Incident co-star Graham Butler and theatre veteran William Gaunt.
Woodward will play the Duchess of York in Shakespeare’s legendary tale exploring the meaning of kingship and the rising powers that can destroy it when Simon Godwin’s production arrives at the al fresco venue from 11 July.
The theatre regular, who was awarded the Best Supporting Performance Olivier Award for her role in Tom & Clem, was most recently seen in The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time, in which she starred opposite Butler. The rising star will take on the role of Aumerle and returns to the Globe following 2013’s Henry VI trilogy.
The leading cast is completed by Clarence Derwent Award-winning performer Gaunt as the fittingly titled John of Gaunt. His numerous stage credits include The Old Vic’s recent hugely successful production of The Crucible, The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui in the West End and The Family Reunion at the Donmar Warehouse.
Richard II’s full cast will comprise Oliver Boot, William Chubb, Henry Everett, Jonny Glynn, Greg Haiste, Angus Imrie, Richard Katz, Ekow Quartey, Anneika Rose, David Sturzaker and Arthur Wilson.
The production will play in rep until 18 October and joins a packed line-up marking Dominic Dromgoole’s last ever summer season as Artistic Director.