David Mitchell to star in ‘The Upstart Crow’

The Shakespearean comedy play is back for a second time.

David Mitchell will reprise the role of William Shakespeare in The Upstart Crow later this year. The Upstart Crow is at the Apollo Theatre from 23 September to 3 December.

The Upstart Crow was originally a BBC television series, commissioned for the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death. The Upstart Crow play follows on from the television show, and Shakespeare try to continue as the greatest writer that ever lived.

The Upstart Crow first opened at the Gielgud Theatre in 2020 and was forced to close due to the pandemic. In a review of The Upstart Crow on London Theatre, our critic said: “It's certainly intended to be irreverent, gleefully and knowingly skewing modern theatrical practice as well as its classical origins. There are some good gags, particularly at the expense of modern theatrical preoccupations.”

David Mitchell will return to The Upstart Crow as William Shakespeare, a role he played in the TV series and at the Gielgud Theatre in 2020. Gemma Whelan will reprise the role of Kate. The Upstart Crow further casting is to be announced.

The Upstart Crow features a book by Ben ELton, direction by Sean Foley, set and costume design by Alice Power, lighting design by Tim Mitchell and sound design by Andy Graham.

The Upstart Crow is at the Apollo Theatre.

Photo credit: David Mitchell in The Upstart Crow (Photo courtesy of production)