Game of Thrones Star Tara Fitzgerald Joins Royal Shakespeare Theatre’s The Winter’s Tale

Game of Thrones star Tara Fitzgerald will play Hermione in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre’s production of The Winter’s Tale. Directed by Lucky Bailey, the production will run in Stratford-upon-Avon from January 24, 2013 through February 23 before touring the U.K. in March and April. The play officially opens on January 30.

One of Shakespeare's problem plays, The Winter's Tale begins in Sicilia, where Leontes and his court live a sheltered, beautiful dream of a life, bathed in endless sunshine, and completely removed from the real world of work and suffering.  At the bottom of their tower, well beyond view, is Bohemia, where the working men and women, despite their struggle, make the most out of very little.

In addition to Fitzgerald, The Winter’s Tale will star Jo Stone-Fewings (Leontes), Rakie Ayola (Paulina), Adam Levy (Polixenes), Daniel Betts (Camillo), Gavin Fowler (Florizel), Nick Holder (Young Shepherd), Kieran Knowles (Gaoler), Pearce Quigley (Autolycus) and David Shaw-Parker (Shepherd). The cast will also feature Sally Bankes (Dorcas), Andrew Hanratty (Lord), Daniel Millar (Dion), Charlotte Mills (Mopsa) Emma Noakes (Perdita), Joseph Pitcher (Cleomenes), Phil Snowden (Mariner), Bethan Walker (Emilia), Ben Whybrow (Lord) and Duncan Wisbey (Antigonus).

Fitzgerald is best known for her portrayal of Selyse Baratheon on the HBO series Game of Thrones. She also appeared on TV in Waking The Dead, Jane Eyre and The Body Farm. Her previous theater credits include Farewell to The Theatre, Broken Glass, The Misanthrope, And Then There Were None, A Doll’s House and the 1995 Broadway production of Hamlet.