Kenneth Branagh to direct and star in ‘King Lear’

The actor will play the title role in a limited engagement of the Shakespeare play. After London performances, King Lear will run in New York in 2024.

Kenneth Branagh will lead and helm King Lear at the Wyndham’s Theatre later this year. The 50-performance engagement begins on 21 October, with an official opening on 31 October.

Branagh will play the title role. He regularly stars in Shakespeare plays, with recent credits including Macbeth at Manchester International Festival, and The Winter's Tale at the Garrick Theatre.

King Lear marks the first London production from the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company in seven years. The company's inaugural West End season at the Garrick Theatre included multiple plays: The Winter’s Tale, Harlequinade/All on Her Own, Red Velvet, The Painkiller, Romeo & Juliet, and The Entertainer.

After London performances, King Lear will then transfer to The Shed’s Griffin Theater in New York in autumn 2024. Full casting and creative team will be announced at a later date.

When is Kenneth Branagh in King Lear?

Kenneth Branagh will appear in King Lear in London in October 2023. He will play the role for 50 performances at the Wyndham's Theatre. He will then star in King Lear in New York in 2024.

King Lear will be at the Wyndham’s Theatre.

Photo credit: Kenneth Branagh (Photo by Johan Persson)