Star of The Hobbit Martin Freeman to play Richard III

One of William Shakespeare’s most iconic plays, Richard III follows Jamie Lloyd’s critically acclaimed first season for Trafalgar Transformed, which kicked off to a flying start with Macbeth starring James McAvoy, followed by The Hothouse, starring John Simm and Simon Russell Beale and finally The Pride, starring Hayley Atwell and Mathew Horne.

Martin Freeman is best know for his lead roles in BBC’s Sherlock and The Office, as well as playing Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit Trilogy. Freeman was last on stage in 2010 in the critically acclaimed Clybourne Park at the Royal Court Theatre, directed by Dominic Cooke. Later this month Martin will play the lead role of Lester Nygaard, alongside Billy Bob Thornton, in the Coen brothers television adaptation of Fargo. His other film credits include; Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and Richard Curtis’ blockbuster hit, Love Actually.

On the announcement of the new season of Trafalgar Transformed Artistic Director Jamie Lloyd said, ‘I am thrilled to be returning to our transformed space at Trafalgar Studios and am delighted to kick off our second season with Shakespeare's astonishing power play, Richard III. Last year, through our ￡15 Mondays scheme, a staggering 51% of the audience was comprised of first-time theatregoers, targeted with the help of organisations like the inspiring Mousetrap Theatre Projects (of which I am now a patron). I am confident that, with the brilliant and hugely popular Martin Freeman playing the title role in a provocative production, we will continue to attract a generational mix of theatregoers to our corner of the West End. I have wanted to work with Martin for many years and am sure he will bring something unexpected and unique to this iconic role’

Richard III will play in the main house of the Trafalgar Studios from the 1 July to 27 September 2014. Tickets will go fast, so book as early as possible.