King Lear shows Sunday

'Sam Mendes and Simon Russell Beale's production is worth the wait' - Independent

'Simon Russell Beale proves once again why he is one of our great actors.' - The Times

'Simon Russell Beale is magnetic. An exceptional production.' - Guardian

Academy Award winner Sam Mendes (James Bond: Skyfall, American Beauty) returns to the National Theatre to direct Simon Russell Beale (MI-5, My Week with Marilyn, The Hollow Crown, Collaborators) in the title role of Shakespeare's tragedy.

Simon Russell Beale and Sam Mendes have been collaborators for almost 25 years and are known to bring out the best in each other. Their synergy on King Lear was long been in the making and has been hailed as a masterpiece.

The play presents a fresh and inspiring interpretation of Shakespeare's tragedy, set in a modern-day totalitarian state. Lear, an aged tyrant, decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters according to which of them is most eloquent in praising him. His favourite, Cordelia, says nothing. Lear's world descends into chaos.

The play features a 20-man cast, with Olivia Vinall as Cordelia, Kate Fleetwood as Goneril, Stephen Boxer as the Earl of Gloucester, and Stanley Townsend as the Earl of Kent.

Shakespeare's King Lear will be shown at the Palace Cineplex this Sunday, June 8, at 11:30 a.m.

National Theatre encore performances on screen at Palace Cineplex will run until July. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night will be shown on Sunday, June 22, at 11:30 a.m., while A Small Family Business will be shown on Sunday, July 6, at 11:30 a.m.

Tickets are on sale at the box office of the Palace Cineplex and via the web at www.palaceamusement.com with a Palace Card.