18 Jun - 11 Sep. Sam Mendes and Kevin Spacey team up for the first time since American beauty in Shakespeare's Richard III - a thrilling production starring Spacey as the the villainous king.

Tickets go on sale on Monday 31st January.

They'll be going into rehearsal later this month. Where will they take Richard III? We'll keep you posted.

Meanwhile... It was first reported back in August that The Bridge Project, Sam Mendes’ series of plays at the Old Vic and the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), would conclude with a production of “Richard III”. Back then the show would not receive a world premiere at a London theatre, but would instead premiere at the BAM ahead of a run at the Old Vic in 2012.
This has now changed and according to recent reports, Sam Mendes’ “Richard III” will now premiere at the Old Vic in June 2011, with Kevin Spacey starring in the title role.

Sam Mendes says:

“I am absolutely delighted to be working with Kevin again for the first time since American Beauty, and I am doubly thrilled that he will be leading year three of The Bridge Project. Richard III is a play I love, and a role I think Kevin is born to play. I’m also thrilled that the partnership between our three entities has strengthened and blossomed over the course of this venture, along with a host of invaluable international partnerships that have enabled us to extend the reach of global touring year after year.”

Artistic Director of The Old Vic Kevin Spacey, who plays Richard III, says:
“Sam, Joe, and I are so excited to announce this production. Sam is one of the finest directors I have had the pleasure to work with and to gain this opportunity is beyond my wildest hopes. I love Sam’s perspective on a role, carving and shaping the actor. With such a remarkable character before me I have a feeling this one is going to be a memorable experience. It is also my hope to bring a comprehensive educational programme and opportunities for emerging artists along with our travels, making an argument for the living theatre in all the major cities we will visit throughout 2012. We're delighted that Bank of America Merrill Lynch have come on board for another season as our sponsor and I applaud their continued support for our work.”