A new theatre production is set to hit the stage next autumn, bringing history to life.
William the Conqueror, a play by Reading-based Rabble Theatre, will tour 10 UK cities, including a week-long run in Reading at the Hexagon from September 28 to October 2, 2027.
The play serves as a prequel to Rabble’s previous productions Henry I and Matilda the Empress and marks a key event in the Hexagon’s 50th anniversary programme.
Jacopo Lanzoni, lead councillor for culture at Reading Borough Council, said: "We are delighted to be supporting RABBLE Theatre's ambitious new production of William the Conqueror in 2027.
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"Their focus on producing outstanding professional theatre that celebrates and represents Reading so positively fits well within our cultural strategy. We look forward to welcoming you to the theatre".
The project is part of a creative partnership with the Hexagon, which recently benefited from a share of the £19million of investment that Reading Borough Council received from the UK Government's Levelling Up fund, destined for both the Hexagon and Central Library.
Also, the much-loved theatre recently secured an additional £2 million of Arts Council England funding to replace the theatre’s seating, which dated back to the 1970s.
Toby Davies, founder and artistic director of Rabble Theatre, said: "We are delighted to be working in close partnership with the council and honoured to be playing such a big part in the re-opening of the Hexagon with our new play.
"For anyone who hasn’t seen a drama in that space before, we look forward to welcoming you in."
Tickets for the Reading performances will be available to Rabble Rousers from November 16, with general sale opening on November 23.
The play is written by Rabble associate artist Beth Flintoff, also associate at London’s Royal Court Theatre and author of The Ballad of Maria Marten.
The creative team includes Olivier Award-winning illusionist John Bulleid, co-directors Hal Chambers and Gareth Taylor, composer Brain Rays, and combat and intimacy director Dani Mac.
Rabble Theatre was established in 2012 to tell local stories of national significance and is known for its community education and career development programmes, which reach more than 2,000 people each year.
The company uses theatre to 'empower individuals, embolden communities and champion women' through its RABBLE Access Fund.
The full tour will run from September 17 to November 13 at venues including Exeter Northcott, York Theatre Royal, Theatre Royal Winchester, Peterborough Key Theatre, New Wolsey Theatre, North Devon Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre, and Canterbury Festival.
More information about the production and Rabble Theatre can be found at rabbletheatre.com.
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