Sigourney Weaver, Tom Hiddleston, and Hayley Atwell to Star in Jamie Lloyd’s Shakespeare Season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane
Exciting news for theatre fans: Sigourney Weaver will make her first appearance in London’s West End as Prospero in Jamie Lloyd’s production of The Tempest at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. The show will run from December 7, 2024, to February 1, 2025.
In addition, Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell will star as Benedick and Beatrice in “Much Ado About Nothing” from February 10 to April 5, 2025.
Jamie Lloyd, known for his creative takes on classics like Sunset Boulevard and Romeo and Juliet, is thrilled about the new season.
“It is an honor to bring Shakespeare back to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. I’m excited to work with Sigourney Weaver in London and to team up again with Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell,” Lloyd said.
Weaver, famous for her roles in Alien and Avatar, is excited to return to Shakespeare after over 30 years.
She said, “I’m thrilled to debut in the West End in ‘The Tempest’ directed by Jamie Lloyd at the beautiful Theatre Royal Drury Lane.”
Hiddleston, who worked with Lloyd on Betrayal, said, “Working with Jamie Lloyd was one of the best experiences of my career. I’m very excited to collaborate again on ‘Much Ado About Nothing.’ Bringing Shakespeare back to Theatre Royal Drury Lane is an honor.”
Atwell, who often works with Lloyd, said, “Jamie Lloyd’s direction is bold and exciting. I’m looking forward to working with Tom Hiddleston and bringing Shakespeare to Theatre Royal Drury Lane.”
Theatre Royal Drury Lane, located in Covent Garden and owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber, has been restored with a $77 million renovation.
Webber, inspired by his childhood memories of seeing John Gielgud as Prospero, has long wanted to bring Shakespeare back to this theatre. “It is a joy that Jamie Lloyd is bringing Shakespeare back with ‘The Tempest,'” Webber said.
The Jamie Lloyd Company is committed to making theatre accessible. They are offering 25,000 tickets at £25 each for people under 30, key workers, and those receiving government benefits. This aims to make theatre more affordable for everyone.
With a star-studded cast and a talented director, the Shakespeare season at Theatre Royal Drury Lane is set to be a major cultural event. As Weaver takes on the role of Prospero and Hiddleston and Atwell play Benedick and Beatrice, theatre-goers can expect a magical winter of Shakespeare in one of London’s most historic venues.
Tickets for “The Tempest” go on sale to priority bookers on August 6, with general booking starting on August 7. Dates for “Much Ado About Nothing” ticket sales will be announced soon.