The Marlowe Theatre today announces the cast and UK tour dates for the Marlowe Theatre Production of Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities, adapted for stage by Terence Rattigan and John Gielgud. 

The premiere will be at the Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury (14–19 Sep, press night Thu 17 Sep). The show will then travel to Leeds Playhouse (22–26 Sep) ahead of further dates in 2027 at Theatre Royal, Bath (15–23 Jan), Cheltenham Theatre (2–6 Feb), Chichester Festival Theatre (9–13 Feb), King’s Theatre Edinburgh (16–20 Feb) and Theatre Clwyd (23–27 Feb), with further dates to be announced. 

The cast includes Martin Bassindale (Stryver and Defarge), Scarlett Brookes (Miss Pross, Judge and Road Mender), Samuel Collings (Sydney Carton and Marquis de St. Evrémonde), Daniel Hickey (Ensemble), Jasmine Kerr (Ensemble), Jordan Loughran (Lucie Manette and Seamstress), Roger Ringrose (Lorry and Gabelle), Ed Sayer (Charles Darnay and Brother of Marquis de St. Evrémonde), Robyn Sinclair (Madame Defarge, Attorney General and Patrol), Simon Startin (Barsad and Gaspard) and François Testory (Dr. Manette and François).

A Tale of Two Cities is directed by Michael Fentiman (Amélie, Titus Andronicus, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, Loot).

Deborah Shaw, chief executive at the Marlowe Theatre, said, “This second national tour by Marlowe Theatre Productions will have our trademark quality and ambition, bringing Dickens’ much-loved novel to thrilling life in Rattigan’s emotionally charged adaptation, seen here in a major production for the very first time. With a top-class creative team led by director Michael Fentiman and a strong ensemble of actors, we’re delighted to be creating this work in Kent, to be enjoyed by audiences across England, Scotland and Wales.”

Michael Fentiman, director, said: “I’m thrilled that we’re now able to share this extraordinary company and the first tour dates for A Tale of Two Cities. We’ve assembled a remarkable cast and I can’t wait for audiences to see them bring the extraordinary world of A Tale of Two Cities to life.I’m thrilled that we will visit so many beautiful and important theatres across the UK, giving audiences the opportunity to rediscover one of our greatest novels in what I believe will be a bold new production.We will endeavour to honour the richness of the original while creating a staging that vibrates with all of the excitement and invention of the modern theatre. I can’t wait to start.”

With direction by Michael Fentiman, the production will include set design by Max Jones, costume design by Kinnetia Isidore, lighting design by Ben Jacobs, sound design by Richard Hammarton, music by Barnaby Race, video design by Nina Dunn for PixelLux, wigs, hair & make-up design by Susanna Peretz, casting by Helena Palmer CDG, and fights by Jonathan Holby. Audrey Brisson will serve as Creative Associate, with Pip Minnithorpe as Associate Director, and award-winning playwright Leo Butler will act as dramaturg.

The Terence Rattigan Charitable Trust said: “We’re delighted that Terence Rattigan and John Gielgud’s remarkable adaptation of A Tale of Two Cities is now coming to life in this major new production. It’s wonderful to see such an outstanding cast bringing their work to audiences across the UK, introducing a new generation to this powerful theatrical interpretation of Dickens’ classic. Rattigan’s writing continues to resonate with audiences through its humanity and theatrical craftsmanship, and we’re thrilled that this ambitious production will showcase the enduring strength of his work in theatres around the country.”