‘The Upstart Crow’, starring David Mitchell, sets full cast

Gemma Whelan, Helen Monks, and Rob Rouse return to the play.

Sophie Thomas
Sophie Thomas

Find out the full cast for the West End return of The Upstart Crow. The Upstart Crow runs 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 sees Shakespeare try to continue as the greatest writer.

David Mitchell reprises the role of William Shakespeare, alongside Gemma Whelan as Kate, Helen Monks as Helen, Jason Callender as Aragon, Danielle Phillips as Judith, Rob Rouse as Bottom, and Reice Weathers as Mr Whisker.

The new cast includes John Gordon Sinclair as Dr John Hall, Gloria Onitiri as Desiree, Stewart Wright as Burbage, Andrew Hodges, Dedun Omole and Annabel Smith.

Sean Foley directs The Upstart Crow. When The Upstart Crow was in London in 2020, our critic said: “It's certainly intended to be irreverent, gleefully and knowingly skewing modern theatrical practice as well as its classical origins. The result is an old-fashioned West End comedy that returns Ben Elton to Shaftesbury Avenue.”

The Upstart Crow is at the Apollo Theatre.

Photo credit: David Mitchell and Gemma Whelan (Photos courtesy of production)

Originally published on

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