The RSC

Game of Thrones: The Mad King 👑 We’re announcing a sweeping new stage epic from the world of George R. R. Martin, written by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke.

rsc.org.uk/news/a-tribute… 📸Michael Pennington as Hamlet 1980 by Reg Wilson 📸Ian McKellen as Romeo and Michael Pennington as Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet 1976 by Reg Wilson 📸Timon in Timon of Athens 1999 by Donald Cooper 📸John of Gaunt in Richard II 2013 by Kwame Lestrade © RSC

He first joined the RSC after graduating from Cambridge University in John Barton’s 1964/5 ‘Wars of The Roses’ cycle. Best known for his Hamlet in 1980, his final appearance here was in 2012, playing John of Gaunt alongside David Tennant in Greg Doran’s staging of Richard II.

We are incredibly sad to hear that RSC Honorary Associate Artist Michael Pennington passed away at the age of 82 yesterday. A Shakespearean to his very bones, Michael’s long & distinguished career with us spanned an astonishing 50 years. Our thoughts go to all those who knew him

.@TheRSC’s co-artistic director Tamara Harvey has declared that sweeping changes to make the organisation more "agile" would not have a negative effect on the ambition of its work, at #FutureofTheatre Conference👇 #Echobox=1777378614" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">thestage.co.uk/news/rsc-artis…

At our #FutureofTheatre Conference, Royal Shakespeare Company bosses have warned that the UK theatre is facing a ‘slow erosion of habit’ when it comes to audiences 👇 #Echobox=1777372248" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">thestage.co.uk/news/rsc-bosse…

Up next: our keynote session exploring the future of theatre with @TheRSC's Andrew Leveson, Tamara Harvey, and Daniel Evans. Great ideas incoming. #FutureOfTheatre

Following the Government's pledge to scrap the EBacc and give all young people access to creative learning opportunities, the event is a chance to look at next steps for arts in schools, the pressures schools are under and what the cultural sector can do 🗣️

Deputy Executive Director and Director of Creative Learning, @jacquiohanlon spoke at today's Arts and Minds coalition event about how we can maximise the opportunities to put creativity back at the heart of the curriculum. @ArtsandMindsCampaign @CulturalLearning

Just released: the brand-new trailer for Cyrano de Bergerac. Following a sold-out and critically acclaimed run, @thersc production comes to the Noël Coward Theatre. Performances begin 13 June. 🎟️ cyranowestend.co.uk

A long winter thaws in Harrenhal, and spring is promised... Game of Thrones: The Mad King will play in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from 20 July to 5 September Join now for Priority Booking from 14 April 👑 Public Booking opens from 22 April

As we take our final bow in Stratford-upon-Avon tonight, we want to thank you @TheRSC and every audience who’s been part of this journey so far 🌬️ The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind runs at @sohoplacelondon from 29 April - 18 July 2026 ⚡ #TheBoyWhoHarnessedTheWind #NewMusical

📸 1 - 2: Reg Wilson, The Tempest, 1988 and Twelfth Night, 1994 3 - Pete Le May, The Merry Wives of Windsor, 2012 4 - John Haynes, Henry IV Part 1, 2000

Des’ work was marked by his generosity and warmth, with a deep connection to audiences. A valued colleague and consummate professional, his contribution to the Company was immense & enduring. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

We are very saddened to hear of the death of RSC Associate Artist, Desmond Barrit. A distinguished presence on the British stage, Desmond was a longstanding member of the RSC where he became renowned for his memorable - and often hilarious - performances.

MEET KHAMBA The goodest boy in Wimbe 🐾 William’s loyal companion brought to life by Nick Barnes Puppets and Puppeteers Yana Penrose and Lori Barker 💙 #TheBoyWhoHarnessedTheWind #Puppets #TheatrePuppet #TheatreBehindTheScenes @TheRSC @sohoplacelondon

.@TheRSC bosses Tamara Harvey, Daniel Evans and Andrew Leveson have been announced as the first keynote speakers for The Stage’s Future of Theatre conference 2026. Read more 👉thestage.co.uk/news/rsc-bosse…

Big news: We are thrilled to reveal our first keynote speakers (@TheRSC) for the #FutureOfTheatre conference, in association with Moore Kingston Smith. With just over a month to go, we can’t wait to welcome you! Find out more 👉thestage.co.uk/future-of-thea…

She last appeared with the RSC in Richard II & Henry V, both directed by Greg Doran. Our thoughts are with Jane’s family & friends. 📸 Jane Lapotaire as Queen Isobel in Henry V, 2015. Photo by Keith Pattison © RSC

We are saddened to hear of the death of Jane Lapotaire. A truly brilliant actress her RSC credits include Piaf, winning her TONY & Olivier awards, & Gertrude opposite Kenneth Branagh in Adrian Noble’s Hamlet.