EMBARGOED until 10am Monday 5 October 2015
DON WARRINGTON ANNOUNCED AS LEAR
A Royal Exchange Theatre and Talawa Theatre Company co-production
in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre
KING LEAR
1 April – 7 May Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
19 May – 28 May Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Following their ground-breaking and critically acclaimed co-production of ALL MY SONS in 2013, the
Royal Exchange Theatre and Talawa Theatre Company once again join forces to present KING LEAR,
in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Talawa Artistic Director, Michael Buffong,
directs acclaimed stage and screen actor Don Warrington in one of Shakespeare’s most iconic roles.
The production opens at the Exchange from 1 April – 7 May and Birmingham Repertory Theatre
from 16 May – 28 May.
Michael Buffong, Artistic Director of Talawa Theatre Company said,
We are always seeking to push ourselves as artists, always trying to go beyond what is
expected, King Lear represents a huge and exciting challenge as a director. Lear is an epic story of
extremes in which families fight, tear each other apart and are pitted against the elements. It takes
us back to an old world that's searching for answers to questions about our very existence. Don
Warrington has been a big part of Talawa's story and to take this journey with an actor of such
subtlety and power is an exciting prospect and one that I look forward to beginning.
This powerful reading of KING LEAR is presented as part of the celebrations for Talawa’s 30th
anniversary year, and 400 years after the death of Shakespeare. Talawa Theatre Company is the UK's
primary Black-led theatre company. Led by Artistic Director Michael Buffong, Talawa’s work is
informed by the wealth and diversity of the Black British experience. For 30 years Talawa has created
outstanding work by cultivating the best in emerging and established Black artists, investing in
talent, developing audiences and inspiring dialogue with and within communities across the UK and
internationally to enrich the cultural life of all.
Don Warrington comments on accepting and tackling the role of Lear…
“The truth is it never occurred to me to play Lear until Sarah Frankcom suggested it. I had
just been working with Michael on All My Sons at the Royal Exchange, an invigorating experience in
that space. Michael and I spent some time discussing Lear, and it felt exciting to have the opportunity
to tackle something equally challenging. At the time it seemed crazy to say no, now…I wonder if I’m
just crazy.”
Don Warrington is an award winning actor who can currently be seen in the BBCs hugely successful
series DEATH IN PARADISE. His career spans television, radio and the stage and he has had a long
standing relationship with Talawa Theatre Company both on and off the stage. Other television
credits have included WAKING THE DEAD, CASUALTY, THE CROUCHES and MAN CHILD (BBC) and
RISING DAMP. Stage credits include ALL MY SONS (Royal Exchange & Talawa), DRIVING MISS DAISY
(Julian Stoneman), A STATEMENT OF REGRET and THE MYSTERIES (National Theatre) and ELMINA’S
KITCHEN (Birmingham Repertory Theatre / West End).
Artistic Director of Talawa Michael Buffong directs. His credits at Talawa include GOD'S PROPERTY
with Soho Theatre and the Albany and THE SERPENT'S TOOTH with the Almeida Theatre. Further
credits include MOON ON A RAINBOW SHAWL at the National Theatre and for the Royal Exchange
Manchester his credits include SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION, ALL THE ORDINARY ANGELS, PRIVATE
LIVES and the multi-award winning A RAISIN IN THE SUN.
/ends
Editor’s Notes
The Royal Exchange
The Royal Exchange Theatre is a leading producing theatre situated in the heart of Manchester
showcasing an ambitious programme inspired by the world’s greatest stories: stories that have the
power to change the way we see the world. Taking artistic risks, working as part of exciting
partnerships, championing new talent and seeking out bold collaborations as key to the Royal
Exchange Theatre’s vision. A record number of people have experienced the work of the Exchange in
the last year. The company continues to broaden its output on and off the stage to speak to the
most diverse audiences in Manchester and beyond.
Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Birmingham Repertory Theatre is one of Britain’s leading producing theatres founded in 1913 by Sir
Barry Jackson. The REP’s aim is to inspire a lifelong love of theatre in the diverse communities of
Birmingham and beyond. As well as presenting over 60 productions on its three stages every year,
the theatre tours its productions nationally and internationally, showcasing theatre made in
Birmingham. The commissioning and production of new work lies at the core of The REP’s
programme and over the last 15 years the company has produced more than 130 new plays. The
theatre’s outreach programme is the best of any cultural organisation in the city and engages with
over 7000 young people and adults equating to 30,000 individual educational sessions. The REP is
also committed to nurturing new talent through its youth theatre groups and training for up and
coming writers, directors and artists.
For further information please contact Andrew Greer at Target Live andrew.greer@target-live.co.uk
/ 0203 372 0966 or Paula Rabbitt at The Royal Exchange on paula.rabbitt@royalexchange.co.uk /
0161 615 6783