UK News: Ian McDiarmid reunited with Jonathan Kent on Sheffield's Lear

Edward Bond's version of Lear's story embraces myth, superstition and reality to reveal the endemic violence of a rancorous society. Set around the symbolic building of a great wall, LEAR exposes false morality as the source of the aggressive tension which may ultimately destroy us all.

Jonathan Kent and Ian McDiarmid worked as joint Artistic Directors at the Almeida from 1990 to 2002. Among Jonathan's final credits whilst at the Almeida were THE TEMPEST and KING LEAR. Most recently his work includes THE FALSE SERVANT (National Theatre), an acclaimed production of HECUBA (Donmar Warehouse) and A CHILD OF OUR TIME (for ENO, Coliseum).

Edward Bond has received international acclaim for his work and has remained one of the key figures in British theatre for over 30 years. His plays include SAVED, RESTORATION, and BLACK MASS. More recent work includes IN THE COMPANY OF MEN and OLLY'S PRISON.

The cast includes Claudie Blakley, Ian McDiarmid and Sharon Small. Claudie Blakley's theatre credits include ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL (RSC and West End), KOSHER HARRY (Royal Court) and ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD (National Theatre). Her film work includes PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and GOSFORD PARK. Ian McDiarmid's acting credits at the Almeida include THE TEMPEST and FAITHHEALER, for which he won The London Critics' Circle Award as Best Actor. Most recently he played the title role in Michael Grandage's production of HENRY IV at the Donmar Warehouse and on tour, winning TMA and Manchester Evening News Best Actor Awards. His fifth STAR WARS film, EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH, opens in May. Sharon Small's recent work for theatre includes… Her television credits include THE INSPECTOR LYNLEY MYSTERIES (BBC).

There will be a special Young People's Performance (for 16 – 26 year-olds, all tickets £5) on Wednesday 16 March at 7.30 pm. For further details, please contact the Marketing Department on 0114 249 5999.