The Duchess Of Malfi

The Duchess Of Malfi

2012 is likely to welcome a wide range of memorable plays to the capital, but the Old Vic will surely have a production that stands out from the crowd as it revives the 17th century masterpiece “The Duchess of Malfi” from March. The production will not only feature an acclaimed and award-winning director in Jamie Lloyd, but will also welcome back Eve Best following her Laurence Olivier Award-nominated performance in “A Moon for the Misbegotten”. The show will also offer an opportunity for London theatre audiences to step back in time to Italy at the beginning of the 16th century with a tale that, whilst taking some artistic licence, is based upon reality.

The plot of “The Duchess of Malfi” focuses on the eponymous widow who is looking to remarry with her new love, the steward Antonio. Set between 1504 and 1510 we focus on her struggle to find happiness with her new partner as her brothers are concerned with sharing their inheritance with someone else. So she is forced to keep her marriage a secret, plus her numerous children, and when they inevitably find out the truth she must pay a very big price in a story of revenge and deceit.

The tale emerged in the early 17th century from the pen of John Webster and it has gone on a big journey from its premiere at the Blackfriars Theatre around 1613 to its revival at the Old Vic Theatre in 2012. It has been seen by countless people around the world and has influenced many other works of art from the novels of Agatha Christie to songs and other works of fiction.

Bringing it to the stage on this occasion is Jamie Lloyd, who has been behind numerous West End shows and other London theatre productions, whilst also serving as the Associate Director of the Donmar Warehouse. His credits include “The Lover & The Collection” at the Comedy Theatre (now the Harold Pinter Theatre) and “The Pride” at the Royal Court Theatre, the latter earning a Laurence Olivier Award.

Following the production of “Noises Off”, which appears at the venue until Saturday 25th February 2012, “The Duchess of Malfi” appears at the Old Vic Theatre from Saturday 17th March 2012 until Saturday 9th June 2012.

Venue Information and Directions

Old Vic Theatre
London
SE1 8NB

Seating Plan

Directions

Directions
Take the Northern, Jubilee or Bakerloo line to Waterloo station. The theatre is approximately 10 minutes walk.