Oedipus Tickets

The Olivier Theatre will soon host Ralph Fiennes as Oedipus in a new adaptation of the Sophocles tragedy. This production, by Frank McGuinness is directed by Jonathon Kent. From November 2008 to January 2009, join Oedipus as he attempts to solve the mysteries surrounding the late king’s murder. Ralph Fiennes is joined by Alan Howard (Teiresias), the Olivier award winning Clare Higgins (Jocasta) and Jasper Britton (Creon). Director Jonathon Kent has directed Fiennes before, in critically acclaimed productions of Coriolanus, Richard II and Hamlet.

In Oedipus, Ralph Fiennes is the title character, who the people of Thebes look towards to lift a curse from them and their city. Oedipus takes on the task and visits the Oracle, who tells him that to lift the terrible curse he must find out who murdered the King. He takes on the challenge, attempting to interrogate man after man. After only one single day, this leads to his own savage fate. It is a gripping political thriller full of secrets and tragedy. The tale is based on the actual account of Oedipus, the mythical Greek King of Thebes who killed his father after a prophecy told him he would, resulting in the destruction of his family and the city of Thebes. Today, Oedipus is regarded by some as one of the most famous plays in the history of literature.

Alongside the mentioned cast members, the performance also includes Patrick Brennan, Alfred Burke, David Burke, Edward Clayton, Sam Cox, Russell Dixon, Darren Fox, Richard Freeman, Sioned Jones and Gwilym Lee. Star Ralph Fiennes is best known for his film roles in Schindler’s List, The English Patient and the Harry Potter films, he is a Tony-Award and BAFTA award winning actor who has also been nominated for two academy awards. More recently, he could be seen in cinemas as The Duke of Devonshire in The Duchess. Clare Higgins recently starred at the National Theatre in Major Barbara, she has also starred in Hecuba, Phaedra, Sweet Bird of Youth and Vincent in Brixton. She is a three-time Olivier Award winning actor.

Alongside director Jonathon Kent and writer Frank McGuinness, the crew consists of Paul Brown as designer, with lighting design by Neil Austin. Music is by Jonathon Dove, the sound designer is Paul Groothuis whilst Denni Sayers is the movement director.