Judi Dench to Star in THE WINTER'S TALE as Part of Kenneth Branagh's Inaugural Season at the Garrick; Lineup Announced!

Stage and screen vet and director of Disney's smash-hit, live-action CINDERELLA film, Kenneth Branagh has confirmed his new theatre company's inaugural season at the West End's Garrick Theatre.

According to the Daily Mail, Branagh will star in THE WINTER'S TALE opposite Judi Dench. He and Rob Ashford will co-direct the first production of the year, which is slated to run October 17, 2015, through January 16, 2016.

Dench told the Mail: "It's thrilling! I'm very excited. I love him. It's a hackneyed phrase, isn't it, but I do."

The actress added: "I've always loved The Winter's Tale -- it's such a beautiful play." She will play 'Paulina', who she describes as "quite a strong woman. She sticks up for Hermione when things become difficult. Her husband's eaten by a bear. Knowing Ken, he'll probably have a real bear do it."

Dench is also currently rehearsing for THE VOTE, coming to the Donmar Warehouse.

In rep with this Shakespearean classic will be Terence Rattigan's HARLEQUINADE, playing from October 24 at the Garrick. Branagh will also star and co-direct with Ashford.

Beginning March 5, 2016, Branagh and Rob Brydon will return with Sean Foley's adaptation of Francis Verber's THE PAINKILLER, which originally ran in Belfast a couple of years ago.

As previously announced, CINDERELLA co-stars Lily James and Richard Madden will appear as star-crossed lovers in ROMEO AND JULIET, helmed by Branagh from May 12.

Finally, Ashford will direct Branagh as 'Archie Rice' in John Osborne's THE ENTERTAINER, beginning August 20, 2016.

The Fiery Angel's producers will general manage Branagh's new company, with casting director Lucy Bevan on board to cast the productions and find crew members.

This isn't Branagh's first foray into running a company. Two decades ago, he and David Parfitt founded the Renaissance Theatre Company alongside Branagh's then-wife Emma Thompson, with help from stage greats such as Judi Dench, Samantha Bond and more.

Five-time Academy Award nominee Branagh has directed and starred in several film adaptations of Shakespeare's plays, including HENRY V, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, OTHELLO, HAMLET, LOVE'S LABOUR'S LOST and AS YOU LIKE IT. The ambitious thesp is also in talks to bring his Manchester International Festival production of MACBETH (which ran recently in New York City at the Park Avenue Armory) to London and to the big screen with Martin Scorsese.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride