SIMON RUSSELL BEALE PLAYS THE CAPITAL IN TOM STOPPARD’S THE INVENTION OF LOVE AT THE HAMPSTEAD THEATRE

Simon Russell-Beale will appear as AE Housman in Tom Stoppard‘S The invention of love leaded by Blanche McIntyre at the Hampstead Theatre from 4 December to 25 January.

Described as “the greatest stage actor of his generation” Simon Russell-Beale returns to Hampstead after starring in the sold-out hit The Last Man Mr. Foote’s other leg in 2015, which subsequently transferred to the West End.

As winner of three Olivier Awards, two BAFTA Awards and a Tony Award Simon Russell-BealeHis numerous theater appearances include: The Lehman Trilogy (National Theatre, West End and Broadway); King Lear And hamlet (National Theatre); pullover (West End and Broadway); The storm (RSC) and temple (Donmar). His TV and film credits include House of the Dragon, The death of Stalin, The hollow crown, Dunkirk, Penny novel And A dance to the music of time.

Simon Russell-Beale said,

“I am delighted to be working with Blanche McIntyre on Tom Stoppard’s great masterpiece The invention of love. The story is about the poet and scholar AE Housman, whose writings and ideas move me deeply.”

Blanche McIntyresaid the director,

“The invention of love is a true masterpiece and a play that I love beyond measure and have hoped to direct my entire life.

“It’s a dream to be working with the amazing Simon Russell Beale. His extraordinary gift of language, intelligence, wit and genius will light up the role of AE Housman and the whole play. I’m so excited he’s joining.”

In Tom Stoppard’s play, AE Housman is, as he understands it, finally dead. The well-known Latin scholar and celebrated poet of A boy from Shropshire is transported across the Styx to the underworld – but beyond the Stygian gloom across the river, he is surprised to find the Oxford University of his youth. Alive with the academic debates that shaped his work and the friendships that shaped his life, this is the Oxford of Ruskin and Pater, a place still marked by the genius of a recently deceased student named Wilde…

Tom Stoppard returns to Hampstead after the triumphant revivals of HappyAnd Rock ‘n’ RollStoppard has won eight Evening Standard, three Olivier and five Tony Awards. His plays include Leopoldstadt; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead And Arcadia .

Blanche McIntyrepreviously directed Botticelli in fire at the Hampstead Theatre in 2019. She recently directedThe Merry Wives of Windsor for the RSC and has worked extensively for The Globe; her previous work includesThe House of Shadows AndThe writer (Almeida) andTartuffe(National Theatre).

Blanche’s creative team is joined by designers Morgan Gross Lighting designer Peter Mumfordand composer and sound designer, Max Pappenheim. Further castings and creatives will be announced.

The invention of loveruns from December 4th to January 25th on the main stage of the Hampstead Theatre.

BOOK THE INVENTION OF LOVE HERE