The Lion In Winter

The Lion In Winter

Since Sir Trevor Nunn took on the role of Artistic Director of the Haymarket Theatre he has welcomed many well known names to the stage of the West End theatre, whether it is Samuel Barnett and Jamie Parker in “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” or Ralph Fiennes and Nicholas Lyndhurst in “The Tempest”. This is no different with the next show along as Robert Lindsay and Joanna Lumley arrive at the venue to perform in “The Lion in Winter”, a 1966 Broadway play from writer James Goldman that takes audiences to a chateau in the 12th century occupied by then-King of England Henry II.

Those with theatre tickets will be able to witness a story that sees Henry joined by his imprisoned wife Queen Aquitaine and the King of France Philip II whilst the issue of who ascends to the throne is raised. Henry would like Prince John to take his place as King of England (and indeed he would later become King John of England) whilst his wife would prefer Prince Richard (who would one day go on to become King Richard I). Philip II, meanwhile, has promised the future king a wife, but he will want her back if no marriage takes place.

Robert Lindsay is best known to modern audiences for his role in the sitcom “My Family” in which he portrays Ben Harper, however his career has seen him take on a great deal of other screen roles in addition to acclaimed parts on the West End stage. He has appeared in “Citizen Smith”, “Hornblower”, “Oliver Twist” (ITV miniseries) and “The Trial of Tony Blair” (portraying the former Prime Minister). He is no stranger to taking on real life roles and he was recently seen in the West End in “Onassis” at the Novello Theatre, portraying the real life shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.

Meanwhile, Joanna Lumley has appeared in various television shows as well, whilst matching Lindsay’s success with “Absolutely Fabulous”. Her credits include “The New Avengers”, “Sapphire and Steel” and “Jam and Jerusalem”. She also recently starred alongside David Hyde Pierce and Mark Rylance in “La B?te” at the Comedy Theatre (now the Harold Pinter Theatre).

The cast also includes Tom Bateman, Sonya Cassidy, Joseph Drake, Rory Fleck-Byrne and James Norton.

“The Lion in Winter” is at the Haymarket Theatre from Tuesday 15th November 2011 (previews from Friday 4th November 2011) to Saturday 28th January 2012.

Venue Information and Directions

Theatre Royal Haymarket
Haymarket
London
SW1Y 4HT

Seating Plan

Directions

Directions
Take the Bakerloo or Piccadilly line to Piccadilly Circus station and exit onto Haymarket. The theatre is approximately 5 minutes walk.