The Donmar Warehouse has built up a reputation for big performances despite its relatively smaller theatre construction and the impending arrival of William Shakespeare’s Coriolanus will inevitably be another. It will also have the benefit of starring Tom Hiddleston, (Loki in Marvel’s Thor The Dark World), as well as Mark Gatiss (The League of Gentlemen, Sherlock) who continues his association with the Donmar having previously played Captain Brazen in The Recruiting Officer.
The Roman tragedy is an epic, battle strewn play, so the theatre has got it’s work cut out for it to bring the classic to life. Although, their recent production of The Recruiting Officer would suggest that they are more than capable of recreating a military atmosphere.
Coriolanus is set to open at the Donmar Warehouse on the 6th December 2013 and will run on through until the 8th February 2014. Tickets will cost between £7.50 and £27.50 for the preview opening week and £7.50 to £35 for the rest of the performances. Opening times are 7:30pm Monday to Saturday with 2:30pm matinee performances on Thursdays and Saturdays starting from the 12th December 2013.
For anyone not familiar with the story of Coriolanus, which could be high considering it’s one of Shakespeare’s lesser known plays, the plot surround the infamous Roman leader and general, Coriolanus. With a contempt for the Plebeian masses under his rule he’s subject to conniving forces that want rid of the hot headed military obsessed ruler. Fighting battle after battle, the tragedy unfolds as his focus on war unravels just as he begins to see the light.
Tom Hiddleston looks set to put in an amazing performance as the defeater of the Volscian city of Corioles, which is how his character receives the name Coriolanus. While Mark Gatiss will be taking on the role of Menenius, one of the city’s patrician ruling classes and Senator of Rome.
The play is directed by Josie Roark, Artistic Director of the Donmar Warehouse. As well as being staged at the theatre, Coriolanus will also be broadcast through National Theatre Live on the 30th January 2013 to give you a chance of watching the production live if you can’t make it down to London to see it at the Donmar.
