Adrian Lester in Red Velvet - Kenneth Branagh Season

Adrian Lester will star in Red Velvet, at the Garrick Theatre from 23 January to 27 February 2016, with an official opening set for 1 February. This will be the third play in the inaugural Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company season at the Garrick.

The production, which received its world premiere in 2012, at the Tricycle Theatre in north west London, is written by Lolita Chakrabarti and will be directed Indhu Rubasingham. Adrian Lester will reprise his role as Ira Aldridge.

Synopsis: "Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, 1833. Edmund Kean, the greatest actor of his generation, has collapsed on stage whilst playing Othello. A young black American actor has been asked to take over the role. But as the public riot in the streets over the abolition of slavery, how will the cast, critics and audience react to the revolution taking place in the theatre?"

Kenneth Branagh released the following statement: "Writing, direction and performance are exceptional in Red Velvet. I'm immensely proud to be presenting this work. I was aware of its development from its inception and believe Lolita Chakrabarti has written an important and exhilarating play which in its discussion of performance, politics, and race is as entertaining as it is illuminating."

Actor and Director Adrian Lester's numerous London Theatre credits include 'Fences', 'Company', 'Henry V', 'Othello' and 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof'. He has also appeared extensively in films, including 'Primary Colors', 'The Day After Tomorrow', 'Maybe Baby', 'Born Romantic', 'Final Curtain', 'Doomsday', and 'Case 39'. Lester is also well known for playing the role of Mickey Bricks in the long running BBC1 drama 'Hustle'. His awards include the 2013 Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actor for 'Othello'.

Lester was appointed an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the 2013 New Year Honours for services to drama.