Gina McKee and More Join Martin Freeman in Richard III in the West End

Stage and screen star Gina McKee (King Lear, Notting Hill) will play Queen Elizabeth alongside the previously announced Martin Freeman as Richard III in London's West End.The production, part of Jamie Lloyd’s second season at Trafalgar Transformed, will run July 1 through September 27, with opening night set for July 8.

In the aftermath of civil war, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, makes a hateful resolution to claw his way to political power at any cost. A master of manipulation, subtle wit and beguiling charm, he orchestrates his unlawful ascent by spinning a ruthless web of deceit and betrayal. His staunch ambition soon begins to weigh heavy, as the new ruler finds himself utterly alone and steeped in dread, forced to answer for his bloody deeds and face the horrifying consequences.

The cast will also include Simon Coombs as Tyrrel, Philip Cumbus as Richmond, Gerald Kyd as Catesby, Paul Leonard as Stanley, Forbes Masson as Hastings, Paul McEwan as King Edward IV/Bishop of Ely, Mark Meadows as Clarence/Lord Mayor, Lauren O’Neil as Lady Anne, Maggie Steed as Queen Margaret and Jo Stone-Fewings as Buckingham.

Richard III will be designed by Soutra Gilmour, with lighting design by Charles Balfour, sound and music by Ben and Max Ringham and fights by Kate Waters.