Tony Winner Derek Jacobi Tapped for West End's Romeo & Juliet, Starring Lily James and Richard Madden

Oh, we cannot wait to hear him utter "A plague o' both your houses!" The legendary Derek Jacobi will play Mercutio opposite the previously reported Lily James and Richard Madden in Romeo and Juliet. Helmed by Kenneth Branagh, the production will run from May 12, 2016 through August 13. Opening night is set for May 25 at the Garrick Theatre.

“The role of Mercutio is an exciting and intriguing challenge to take on,” said Jacobi in a statement. “I’m particularly happy to tackle it in the company of Richard Madden and Lily James, with whom I had such an exciting working relationship in Cinderella.”

Jacobi won the Tony for Much Ado About Nothing and was nominated for Breaking the Code. He has also been seen on Broadway in Uncle Vanya, Cyrano de Bergerac and The Suicide. As well as Cinderella, his multitude of on screen appearances include The King’s Speech, A Bunch of Amateurs, The Golden Compass, Gosford Park, The Children’s Midsummer Night’s Dream, Gladiator, Joan Of Arc: The Virgin Warrior, Hamlet, Aladdin, Henry V, Titanic, Doctor Who: Series III, Frasier, The Secret Garden, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, King Richard The Second, Markheim, Vicious and The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes.