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Robert Icke

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Robert Icke is a British director and writer known for his innovative and thought-provoking productions. He was born in Stockton-on-Tees, England in 1986 and studied English at Cambridge University before pursuing a career in theatre.
Icke began his career as an assistant director at the Royal Shakespeare Company and went on to work at the National Theatre and the Almeida Theatre in London. In 2013, he became the Almeida's Associate Director, a position he held until 2019.
During his time at the Almeida, Icke directed a number of critically acclaimed productions, including a modern adaptation of George Orwell's "1984" and a new version of Friedrich Schiller's "Mary Stuart." Both productions transferred to the West End and Broadway, with "1984" also touring internationally.
Icke's productions are known for their bold and experimental approach to classic texts, often incorporating multimedia elements and challenging the audience's expectations. His adaptation of "1984" was particularly notable for its use of video projections and live-streaming, which created a disorienting and immersive experience for the audience.
In addition to his work in theatre, Icke has also directed for television and film. He directed an episode of the popular BBC series "Doctor Who" in 2018, and his debut feature film "The Nest," starring Jude Law and Carrie Coon, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2020.
Icke has received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including the Olivier Award for Best Director for "1984" and the Critics' Circle Theatre Award for Best Director for "Oresteia." He was also named one of the Evening Standard's "Most Influential People in Theatre" in 2015 and 2016.
Most recently, Icke directed a new production of "Hamlet" at the Harold Pinter Theatre in London, starring Andrew Scott in the title role. The production received rave reviews for its fresh and modern interpretation of the classic play, and was praised for Scott's dynamic and emotionally charged performance.

Robert Icke Productions

 
[West End, 2024]
Director
 
[West End, 2022]
Adaption and direction
 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Director
 
[Off-Broadway, 2022]
Director
 
[West End, 2018]
Director
 
[Broadway, 2017]
Director
 
[West End, 2017]
Director
 
[West End, 2017] [Replacement]
Director[Replacement]
 
[West End, 2016]
Director
 
[West End, 2015]
Director

Writing

Playwight

Robert Icke Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2023 - Outstanding Adaptation

Robert Icke, Oresteia


winner
Olivier Awards - 2016 - Best Director

Robert IckeOresteia


winner
Evening Standard Awards - 2015 - Best Director

Robert IckeOresteia

Robert Icke Videos

Robert Icke News


Photos: Inside Rehearsal For PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS


All new rehearsal photos have been released from the return of the original, smash hit production of People, Places and Things. 

Making Space At The Armory Presents ANTAGONISMS: A GATHERING Symposium Led By Claudia Rankine


Join Claudia Rankine, Anna Deavere Smith, Homi Bhabha, Saidiya Hartman, and others for a series of conversations and performances exploring public and private discourse at the Armory's Antagonisms: A Gathering on June 1.

Review Roundup: What Did the Critics Think of Ian McKellen in PLAYER KINGS?


Bringing together Shakespeare's two great history plays, Player Kings is now open at the Noël Coward Theatre. Ian McKellen plays Falstaff in a new version of Shakespeare’s Henry IV, adapted by the award-winning writer and director Robert Icke. A divided country, leadership crumbling, corruption in the air. 

Review: PLAYER KINGS, Noël Coward Theatre


Ian McKellen is a mesmerizingly athletic Falstaff in Robert Icke's iconoclastic fusion of Henry IV parts 1 and 2

Photo: Check Out All New Artwork For Ian McKellen-Led PLAYER KINGS


Player Kings, led by Ian McKellen, has released all new artwork ahead of its first preview in the West End this Monday 1 April. Check out the photo here!

PLAYER KINGS Starring Ian McKellen Will Embark on UK Tour


Ian McKellen-led Player Kings, adapted and directed by Robert Icke from William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2 is to go on a UK tour following its West End run.

Tickets On Sale This Week For OEDIPUS at Wyndham's Theatre


New artwork has been released, and the ticket on-sale date has been announced for the strictly limited West End run of Oedipus, a new adaptation created by Robert Icke after Sophocles.

Soho Theatre Presents BOYS ON THE VERGE OF TEARS


Get the latest updates on the world premiere of BOYS ON THE VERGE OF TEARS at Soho Theatre, featuring a cast and creative team of stage and screen stars.

PEOPLE, PLACES & THINGS Will Return to the West End in May


The original hit production of People, Places and Things will make a return to London's West End, this spring. 

Photo: First Look at Ian McKellen as Falstaff in PLAYER KINGS


An all new photo has been released of Ian McKellen as Falstaff in Player Kings. Check out the photo here!

THE DOCTOR Debuts in Hong Kong at HK Rep in March


The Doctor will debut in Hong Kong at HK Rep next month. The play dissects the furtive surface of our murky world, throwing down the gauntlet in search of truth for both cast and audience alike. Performances run 16 March - 1 April 2024.

Interview: 'She's Quite a Character!': Actor Clare Perkins on Modernising Shakespeare and Playing Mistress Quickly in Robert Icke's PLAYER KINGS


Player Kings, a new adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry IV Parts 1 and 2, arrives on the West End in April. Recently, we had the chance to speak with Clare Perkins, who plays Mistress Quickly. We discussed taking on a modern version of Shakespeare and what she hopes audiences take away from the work.

Photos: Inside Rehearsal For PLAYER KINGS, Starring Ian McKellen!


Rehearsal photos have been released for Player Kings, adapted by Robert Icke from William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2.  Check out the photos here!

Full Cast Set for PLAYER KINGS Starring Ian McKellen, Toheeb Jimoh & Richard Coyle


IAN MCKELLEN, TOHEEB JIMOH & RICHARD COYLE star in Robert Icke's production of PLAYER KINGS, adapted from Shakespeare's Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2.

Toheeb Jimoh and Richard Coyle Join Ian McKellen in Robert Icke's Production of PLAYER KINGS


The full cast has been revealed for Player Kings, adapted by Robert Icke from William Shakespeare's Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2.

Mark Strong and Lesley Manville to Star in Robert Icke's OEDIPUS in the West End


Oedipus, a new adaptation created by Robert Icke after Sophocles, is set to have a West End run. Learn additional details and see how to purchase tickets!

Juliet Stevenson Joins the ENO's THE HANDMAID'S TALE


This February, multi award-winning actress Juliet Stevenson makes a highly anticipated return to the West End in the English National Opera’s (ENO) acclaimed operatic adaptation of The Handmaid’s Tale.

LA DOCTORA Comes to Teatro La Plaza This Month


La doctora Ruth Wolff, directora fundadora de un prestigioso Instituto de investigación, se niega a dejar entrar a un sacerdote católico al quirófano donde una adolescente está muriendo.

Center REP to Present EVERY BRILLIANT THING This Winter


Center REP presents 'Every Brilliant Thing,' a remarkable solo performance filled with poignant humor and joy. Join the journey of falling in love, grief, healing, and rediscovery. Directed by Jeffrey Lo and starring William Thomas Hodgson. Don't miss this immersive theatrical experience from Jan. 6-28 at Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek. Get your tickets now!

Now Onsale: PLAYER KINGS Starring Ian McKellen


Bringing together Shakespeare's two great history plays (Henry IV, parts 1 and 2) into the theatrical event of the season, Player Kings will reign over London’s West End for twelve weeks only – playing at the Noël Coward Theatre from April 2024.

Robert Icke FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Robert Icke written?

Robert Icke has written 2 shows including 1984 (Playwright), The Doctor (Playwight).

What awards has Robert Icke been nominated for?

Robert Icke has been nominated for the following awards: Outstanding Adaptation at the Drama Desk Awards for Oresteia, Best Director at the Olivier Awards for Oresteia, and Best Director at the Evening Standard Awards for Oresteia.

What awards has Robert Icke won?

Robert Icke has won the Best Director award at the Olivier Awards for "Oresteia" and the Evening Standard Awards for "Oresteia."

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