King John by William Shakespeare at the Union Theatre

King John, by William Shakespeare, is at the Union Theatre, Southwark, from 17 Jan 2012 - 11 Feb 2012.

Directed by Phil Willmott, designed by Emma Tompkins, lighting by Jason Meininger, produced by Claire Evans in Association with The Steam Industry.

Cast includes Rikki Lawton (Philip the Bastard), James Corscadden (Lewis the Dauphin), Maggie Daniels (Queen Eleanor), Albert De Jongh (Arthur), Ross Ericson (Pembroke), Sebastian Foux (Henry III), Michael J Hayes (Cardinal Pandulph), John Last (Hubert), Samantha Lawson (Lady Constance), Daisy May (Lady Blanche), Nicholas Osmond (King John), Damian Quinn (King Philip of France), James Robinson (Chatillion/French Herald), Leonard Sillevis (Robert Falconbridge/Earl of Salisbury).

John's claim to the throne is tenuous to say the least. His two elder brothers are dead, but his nephew, Arthur, waits across the Channel and is attracting a growing following intent on installing him as King in his uncle's place. Shakespeare's play chronicles all the political double-dealing, PR spin and behind the scenes skulduggery with which John clings on to power until his fittingly eccentric death.