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Imperium II: Dictator hero image
Imperium II: Dictator hero image
Imperium II: Dictator hero image
    speaks eloquent volumes
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    A lively imagining
    Broadway World

Imperium II: Dictator 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 I: Conspirator tickets can be bought separately here.

Description

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s theatrical adaptation of Robert Harris’s Cicero trilogy of novels transfers to the West End’s Gielgud Theatre for a 12-week summer season. Imperium tells the story of Roman Emperor Cicero’s turbulent rule from the point of view of his personal secretary, Tiro. This is a moving, personal take on the reign of one of the Roman Empire’s most well-known figures.

The second part of the pair of plays, Imperium II: Dictator, fast-forwards to a Rome fragmented by assassination of Julius Caesar. Retired Cicero sees this as his chance to restore Rome to its former glory, but Brutus, Cassius and Mark Anthony are already battling behind the scenes to maintain order.

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 II: Dictator 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 15 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

Absolutely incredible.

Very good and thoroughly entertaining, a good interpretation of the books.

Interesting and great paced show. With two intervals it doesn’t feel like a 3 hour show. Great hi... More

I enjoyed the play in the main. Perhaps an over-emphasis on milking the script for laughs.

At 3 hours 20 mins in length this is quite a lengthy production. As with Part I (which can be se... More

As Caesar grows the Roman Empire Cicero has been in exile. In a moment of reconciliation Cicero c... More

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