Imperium I: Conspirator
Robert Harris fans will delight with Imperium tickets as his best-selling Cicero trilogy is adapted for the stage
Mike Poulton’s celebrated adaptation of historical thriller Imperium transfers to the West End’s Gielgud Theatre for a strictly limited season, following an original run at the RSC in 2017. Imperium I: Conspirator is the first part of six one-act plays, adapted from Robert Harris’ best-selling Cicero trilogy, alternating performances with Imperium II: Dictator.
The productions chart the downfall of the Republic of Rome, delving into the role of philosopher and rhetorician Cicero in the assassination of Julius Caesar. Told through the ever-watchful eyes of a loyal secretary, Imperium I: Conspirator follows Cicero as his early success as an orator unknowingly paves the journey of the brutal end to the Republic.
Olivier and Tony Award-winning actor Richard McCabe leads the cast as Cicero, with Joseph Kloska as narrating servant Tiro. McCabe earned awards for his performance in The Audience and is well-known for starring in the BBC’s Collateral, whilst Kloska appears in Netflix’s The Crown.
Further casting includes Nicholas Boulton, Guy Burgess, Daniel Burke, Jade Croot, Peter De Jersey, Joe Dixon, John Dougall, Michael Grady-Hall, Oliver Johnstone, Paul Kemp, Patrick Knowles, Hywel Morgan, David Nicolle, Siobhan Redmond, Patrick Romer, Christopher Saul, Eloise Secker and Simon Thorp.
Artistic Director of the RSC Gregory Doran directs, with design by Anthony Ward, lighting design by Mark Henderson, sound design by Claire Windsor and music composed by Paul Englishby. Imperium is adapted for the stage by Mike Poulton, whose adaptations of Hilary Mantel’s best-selling novels Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies ran in the West End in 2014.
A thrilling new duo of plays, Imperium I: Conspirator plays alongside Imperium II: Dictator at the Gielgud Theatre for a strictly limited 12-week season. The first part runs from June 14th to September 8th 2018, with an official opening on June 30th 2018.
Child Friendly
Imperium I: Conspirator is recommended for ages 12 and above. Under 3’s are not permitted in the auditorium.