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Imperium I: Conspirator hero image
Imperium I: Conspirator hero image
Imperium I: Conspirator hero image
    a historic play
    Broadway World
    some muscular performances
    The Evening Standard

Imperium I: Conspirator Tickets

Gielgud Theatre

Mike Poulton’s celebrated adaptation of Robert Harris’ Imperium transfers to the West End, following a sold-out initial run at the RSC in 2017. Presented in two parts, the productions are six one-act plays that explore the role of philosopher Cicero in the downfall of the Republic of Rome. The productions play at the Gielgud Theatre for a limited 12-week season.

Please Note: Imperium is performed in two plays, which can be enjoyed as independent historical thrillers, or together as one unmissable theatrical event. Imperium II: Dictator tickets can be bought separately here.

Description

The RSC’s celebrated stage adaptation of Robert Harris’s Cicero trilogy arrives at the West End’s Gielgud Theatre for a strictly limited 12-week season. Imperium focuses on philosopher Cicero’s turbulent Roman rule from the narration of his personal secretary Tiro, in a highly personal take on the reign of one of history’s greatest ever orators, in a world known for its brutality.

Imperium I: Conspirator is the first part, exploring a conflicted Rome after Cicero is elected Consul. Cicero’s rival Catiline promises to destroy him and take over Rome, but a young and driven Julius Caesar is working behind the scenes with his own agenda. Who will take, and keep, control of the fractured government?

Olivier and Tony Award-winning actor Richard McCabe stars as Cicero, opposite Joseph Kloska as Tiro. McCabe earned his accolades for his performance in The Audience and is also well-known for appearing in the BBC’s Collateral, whilst Kloska’s credits include Netflix’s The Crown.

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.

The productions are adapted for the stage by playwright, writer and adaptor Mike Poulton, whose previous credits include Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies for the RSC, which later transferred to the West End. Artistic Director of the RSC Gregory Doran directs, with further creative team including designer Anthony Ward, lighting designer Mark Henderson and sound designer Claire Windsor, with compositions by Paul Englishby.

Garnering critical acclaim in Stratford, Imperium is the historical thriller that brings to light the behind-the-scenes of the downfall of the Republic of Rome. Playing in two parts, Imperium I: Conspirator runs at Gielgud Theatre from 14 June to 8 September 2018, with a press night on 30 June 2018.

Sorry this show closed 08 September 2018, we recommend these similar productions.

Performance dates:
08 Sep 2018 - 08 Sep 2018
Running time:
3 hours and 40 minutes including an 2 intervals.
Age recommendation:
Recommended 12+. No under 3's.
Audience Notes:
Historical fiction fans, audiences who love political theatre and those interested in the RSC’s work won’t want to pass over this two-part production.
Categories:

Latest Audience Reviews

Dramatic, interesting, informative. Excellent pace, super acting.

Great show, with lots of historical details. Funny at times with great set design and staging. Go... More

We thoroughly enjoyed the show and thought the sets were very imaginative.

Superb show. Time passes very quickly thanks to some great performances.

Absolutely fabulous.

We don’t really get Roman epics on the stage much anymore and who can blame any writer to avoid t... More

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