Almeida Theatre announces Juliet Stevenson and Lia Williams in Mary Stuart

The Almeida Theatre announces a new production of Mary Stuart starring Juliet Stevenson and Lia Williams.

The Almeida Theatre in Islington, north London, has today announced further details of its upcoming season, including a new production and casting updates for previously announced shows.

Associate Director Robert Icke will adapt and direct a production of Friedrich Schiller's Mary Stuart which will run from 2 December 2016 to 21 January 2017, with an official opening on 9 December 2016. Juliet Stevenson and Lia Williams will play both Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart, trading the roles each night, decided at the start of each performance by the toss of a coin.

"Two queens. One in power. One in prison. It's all in the execution. Schiller's political tragedy takes us behind the scenes of some of British history's most crucial days."

The production will be designed by Hildegard Bechtler, with lighting by Jackie Shemesh, video by Tim Reid and original compositions by Laura Marling.

Full casting was also announced for the upcoming production of They Drink it in the Congo by Adam Brace which runs from 12 August to 1 October 2016, with an official opening on 19 August 2016. The full cast will include Fiona Button, Kirsty Besterman, Richie Campbell, Sidney Cole, Tosin Cole, Roger Evans, Richard Goulding, Joan Iyiola, Anna-Maria Nabirye, Pamela Nomvete, Richard Pepple and Sule Rimi in a production directed by Michael Longhurst.

It was also announced that Leo Bill, Nabil Elouahabi and Sam Swann will join the previously announced Anne-Marie Duff and Yolanda Kettle in the world premiere of Oil by Ella Hickson, directed by Carrie Cracknell which runs from 7 October to 26 November 2016.

Robert Icke and Juliet Stevenson will also collaborate on the previously announced production of Hamlet, which runs at the venue from 17 February to 8 April 2017, with an official opening on 28 February 2017. Stevenson will play Gertrude opposite Andrew Scott as the Danish Prince.

Tickets for Mary Stuart and Hamlet will go on general sale on 8 September 2016.

.