Sheridan Smith, Kiss Me, Kate & More Announced for Old Vic’s Upcoming Season

London's Old Vic Theatre will stage a classic play and a classic musical for its upcoming fall and winter season. Trevor Nunn will director Cole Porter’s Kiss Me, Kate, and Olivier Award winner Sheridan Smith will tackle the leading role in Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler.

Hedda Gabler, adapted by Brian Friel, will begin performances on September 5 and open on September 12. Joining Smith on stage will be Buffy Davis, Anne Reid, Adrian Scarborough and Fenella Woolgar. Anna Mackmin directs.

Beloved Cole Porter musical Kiss Me, Kate will begin performances at the Old Vic on November 20, after a June run at the Chichester Theatre Festival. Trevor Nunn directs a cast that includes Alex Bourne, David Burt, Adam Garcia, Clive Rowe and Hannah Waddingham.

Michael Frayn’s previously announced cold war drama Democracy, begins previews on June 15 and opens June 20. The cast features Andrew Bridgmont, David Cann, Patrick Drury, Richard Hope, William Hoyland, Ed Hughes, David Mallinson, Aidan McArdle, James Quinn and Rupert Vansittart, with direction by Paul Miller.

Tony-winning director and choreographer Rob Ashford (How to Succeed..., Promises, Promises) joins the Old Vic as Associate Director. He joins Artistic Director Kevin Spacey and existing Old Vic Associates Edward Hall, David Liddiment, Anthony Page, Thea Sharrock and Matthew Warchus.