TICKETS went on sale at the Georgian Theatre Royal this week for the Shakespeare’s Globe production of King Lear, which is likely to be one of the must-see theatre events in North Yorkshire this year.

The play will be performed in Richmond from August 27-30 during a tour of the UK and Europe to be followed by performances in the US.

Warnock Kerr, chief executive of the Theatre Royal, is confident it will prove popular with local audiences. “We are delighted to welcome a company of this magnitude and reputation,” he said.

“Previous productions by the Globe have always sold very quickly and this year’s choice of one of Shakespeare’s greatest works will no doubt add extra appeal.”

King Lear is part of the Georgian Theatre Royal’s autumn season, but has been released ahead of this programme to give people the opportunity to make early bookings.

In the play, old King Lear – weary of royal duties – proposes to give up his crown and divide his kingdom between his two daughters. But this rash generosity is cruelly repaid and Lear discovers too late the false values by which he has lived and is ultimately plunged into despair and madness.

With tempestuous poetry shot through with moments of humour and heart-rending simplicity, this is a work that is a profound exploration of the human condition in all its extremes and complexities.

Joseph Marcell will play the role of the turbulent king. He is bestknown for his role as Geoffrey in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and has previously performed at the Globe in Much Ado About Nothing (2011) and Coriolanus (2006).

Director Bill Bruckhurst is also well-known at Shakespeare’s Globe, where he has previously directed Hamlet, played by Dominic Dromgoole. Using an Elizabethan- style booth stage – inspired by paintings and etchings from Shakespeare’s time when touring was prevalent – the eight-strong cast will double up roles in this fast-paced adaptation and promise to break boundaries between the stage and the audience.

Tickets cost from £10 to £25 and are available from the box office on 01748-825252 or online at georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk.

There are evening shows from August 27-30 and matinee performances on August 28 and 30.