The Lion In Winter Tickets

It has been a big year for the Haymarket Theatre in London’s West End, with Sir Trevor Nunn – as the venue’s Artistic Director – leading “Flare Path”, “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead” and “The Tempest” to the stage. All of these shows have seen some talented names take on lead roles and it has ensured that audiences have flocked to pick up theatre tickets. But once “The Tempest” ends on Saturday 29th October 2011 this will not be the end of a solid run as he brings “The Lion in Winter” to the stage in its place and in doing so welcomes a cast that includes Robert Lindsay, Joanna Lumley, Tom Bateman, Sonya Cassidy, Joseph Drake, Rory Fleck-Byrne and James Norton.

“The Lion in Winter” first appeared on a stage back in 1966 when it premiered at New York’s Ambassador Theatre and has since been staged on numerous occasions, with well familiar names performing in front of audiences. Christopher Walken portrayed King Philip II of France in the premiere production whilst Laurence Fishburne portrayed King Henry II of England in a revival of 1999. This time around the cast is equally as recognisable as the West End welcomes James Goldman’s famous play once again.

The story focuses on King Henry II as he visits his chateau and whilst there he is joined by others such as his wife Queen Aquitaine (who he had imprisoned ten years earlier in 1173) and King Philip II of France. The topic of conversation is the who will take to the throne following Henry’s death and he wishes for Prince John to take his place, whilst his wife prefers Prince Richard (both would go on to become King John of England and King Richard I during their lifetimes). Meanwhile, Philip has promised the future king a wife, but if no marriage takes place then she must be returned.

The impressive cast has plenty of experience on the stage, with Lindsay recently seen as Aristotle Onassis in “Onassis” at the Novello Theatre and Lumley in “La Bȇte” at the Comedy Theatre (now the Harold Pinter Theatre). Both have also been seen in sitcoms like “My Family” and “Absolutely Fabulous” respectively and are well known names of the stage and screen. Tom Bateman, meanwhile, was recently seen in “Much Ado About Nothing” at the Wyndham’s Theatre.

“The Lion in Winter” begins at the Haymarket Theatre on Tuesday 15th November 2011 (with previews from Friday 4th November 2011) and continues to Saturday 28th January 2012.