Photo Flash: Rhys Ifans, Patrick Marber and the Cast of EXIT THE KING In Rehearsal

Somewhere in Europe the kingdom is disintegrating. It's the last day of King Bérenger's life. Queen Marguerite is preparing for the end and Queen Marie is in denial. The King is 400 years old and dying, but he's clinging on for dear life...

The great tragicomedy EXIT THE KING is brought to life on the Olivier stage this summer, the first time Eugène Ionesco's work has been performed at the National Theatre. Patrick Marber (Three Days in the Country, Hedda Gabler) directs his new version of Exit the King with Rhys Ifans (A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic) in the title role and Indira Varma (Man and Superman) as his first Queen.

Cast also includes Debra Gillett, Derek Griffiths, Amy Morgan and Adrian Scarborough with musician Sarah Campbell.

Directed by Patrick Marber, with design by Anthony Ward, lighting design by Hugh Vanstone, and music and sound by Adam Cork.

Part of the Travelex Season with hundreds of tickets for every performance available at £15.

See rehearsal photos below by Simon Annand