King Lear
Fathers grow old, children grow up, regimes change. When the ageing Lear sets out to test the affection of his daughters he unleashes a storm that threatens the entire nation. Goodness and compassion are cast into the wilderness and malice takes up the reins of power. All must face the stark choice: tell the truth and risk destruction or dissemble and hope to survive.
Minerva Theatre
By William Shakespeare (1606)
"In his searching, deeply felt production in the intimate Minerva, Steven Pimlott offers us the rare chance to experience a chamber version of this great drama." The Daily Telegraph
Fathers grow old, children grow up, regimes change.
When the ageing Lear sets out to test the affection of his daughters he unleashes a storm that threatens the entire nation. Goodness and compassion are cast into the wilderness and malice takes up the reins of power. All must face the stark choice: tell the truth and risk destruction or dissemble and hope to survive.
In 1965 David Warner was the youngest-ever Hamlet at the RSC in a mould-breaking production which ran for two years. Now at long last he returns to Shakespeare to take on the challenge of Lear - the most monumental role in the repertoire.
"It is Warner who makes this production special" The Times
David Warner's stage work includes The Wars of the Roses, Richard II, Twelfth Night and Hamlet at the RSC and Major Barbara on Broadway. His numerous TV and film roles include Morgan! A Suitable Case for Treatment, Tom Jones, The Omen, Straw Dogs, Titanic and Massada, for which he won an Emmy Award.
Artistic Director Steven Pimlott has directed The Master and Margarita, Doctor Faustus, The Seagull and Nathan the Wise for Chichester. A former Associate Director of the RSC his productions there included Hamlet and Richard II with Samuel West.
Co-producers and sponsors
Last performance |
Audio described |
Signed |
Preview |
Spirit FM Preview |
Press night |
School's Matinee |
Charity Performance |
Post-show Talk |
No discount avaliable for this production.
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There is no chance of the actors getting away with rumbling rhetoric or fake emotion. Like Lear in t...The Daily Telegraph
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He is the most movingly human of Lears, rake thin, pitifully vulnerable and growing most movingly in...The Daily Telegraph
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It is Warner who makes this production specialThe Times
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Warner is surrounded by excellent performancesThe Times
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Steven Pimlott's dazzlingly clear studio productionThe Guardian
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What is good about Pimlott's production, played in Alison Chitty's pristine white box of a set, is i...The Guardian
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Chichester's most eagerly awaited production for years is bleak, stark, original and emotionally sha...Portsmouth News
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Steven Pimlott's production is emotionally shattering in David Warner's Lear...Portsmouth News
Information
- This production has wheelchair access
- Post show meals are available
Click for more information - Running time: 210 minutes
Two 15 minute intervals - View seating plans
