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Jasper Britton

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Jasper Britton BIO

Britton worked for six years as an assistant stage manager and sound operator until 1989 when, while working for Jonathan Miller at the Old Vic, he forced his way into Miller's office and refused to leave until Miller agreed to let him audition for King Lear. His King of France to Eric Porter's Lear was the beginning of a prolific stage career. Early plays included The Visit with Théâtre de Complicité at the Royal National Theatre, The Cherry Orchard, Macbeth and A Flea in her Ear at Nottingham Playhouse. A season at the Royal Shakespeare Company included A Jovial Crew for Max Stafford-Clark, Tamburlaine for Terry Hands and The Beggar's Opera and Antony and Cleopatra for John Caird. There followed the Dauphin in St Joan at the Strand Theatre and an award-winning[which?] performance as Rupert in Rope at Salisbury Playhouse.

Upon replacing Eddie Izzard in the title role in Brian Cox's 1995 Richard III, he garnered excellent reviews. He next played the groom role in Blood Wedding at the Young Vic, the first in a series of romantic leads, followed by Rupert Goold's adaptation of End of the Affair, Jonathan Church's Romeo and Juliet and Bill Bryden's Three Sisters.

Britton was part of Trevor Nunn's ensemble company at the National Theatre in 1999, playing Thersites in Troilus and Cressida, Ryumin in Maxim Gorky's Summerfolk, and Smooth in Money. Two seasons at the Shakespeare's Globe for Mark Rylance followed, first playing Palamon in The Two Noble Kinsmen, and Caliban in The Tempest. A year later he returned as Macbeth. After Simon Gray's Japes for Peter Hall at the Haymarket Theatre and Alan Ayckbourn's Bedroom Farce at the Aldwych Theatre came Britton's performance as Petruchio in The Taming of the Shrew and The Tamer Tamed for Gregory Doran at the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Kennedy Centre in Washington, D.C. respectively, which transferred to the Queen's Theatre in London.

In 2008, he played John Gielgud in Nicholas de Jongh's first play Plague Over England, Nansen in Tony Harrison's Fram and Creon opposite Ralph Fiennes in Oedipus the King, the latter both at the National Theatre. In 2009 he played Elyot in Private Lives opposite Claire Price at Hampstead Theatre, directed by Lucy Bailey. Most recently he played one third of Simon Gray's persona in The Last Cigarette at Chichester Festival Theatre and the Trafalgar Studios, with Felicity Kendal and Nicholas Le Prevost; and Jack Lawson in Mamet's Race at the Hampstead Theatre.

He played the title role Barabas in The Jew of Malta production at the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon in 2015. He replaced Nigel Lindsay as Henry Bolingbroke when the RSC's 2013 production of Richard II was shown at the Barbican Centre as part of the King and Country Cycle, as well as reprising his role as the title character in Henry IV Parts I and II.

In 2017, he played Dr Rance in the Leicester Curve production of What The Butler Saw. In 2018, he played Johnny 'Rooster' Byron in the first revival of Jez Butterworth's Jerusalem at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury.

Britton played the Court Laureate in Terrence Malick's The New World alongside Colin Farrell, Jonathan Pryce and Christian Bale. He donned bells and hankies to play Will Frosser, the foreman of the Millsham Morris Side in the film Morris: A Life with Bells On.

Britton's television credits include two series of My Dad's the Prime Minister, and Brief Encounters: Semi-Detached for the BBC, as well as Highlander: The Series. He appeared in two 2006 TV films: as pirate William Howard in Blackbeard with Mark Umbers and Stacy Keach, and alongside Oliver Dimsdale and Heathcote Williams in as Henry II in Nostradamus.

Jasper Britton Photos

Jasper Britton STAGE CREDITS

[West End]
London Production, 2021

[West End]
London County Hall Revival, 2021
Sir Wilfred Robarts [Replacement]

[West End]
West End Premiere, 2016
Performer

[Off-Broadway]
US Premiere Production, 2016
Henry IV

[London Fringe]
Royal Shakespeare Company Revival, 1992
Performer


Jasper Britton Awards and Nominations

Helen Hayes Awards - 2004 - Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production

Jasper BrittonTaming of the Shrew

Jasper Britton Videos

Jasper Britton News


BBC to Run Extensive Shakespeare Season to Celebrate 400th Anniversary of First Folio


The BBC is celebrating this extraordinary anniversary with an ambitious season of content across TV, Radio, BBC iPlayer & BBC Sounds exploring why, 400 years on, Shakespeare's relevance and influence is as strong as ever. A wealth of programming featuring major actors and leading experts, including new documentaries, performance, music, drama, comedy, news coverage and the best of the BBC archive, as well as special items on flagship BBC shows, will celebrate the man, his world and his timeless writing.

Video: Idris Elba Stars in HIJACK Trailer on Apple TV+


Created by George Kay (“Lupin,” “Criminal”) and Jim Field Smith (“Criminal,” “Truth Seekers”), who also wrote and lead directed the series respectively, the seven-part series also stars Emmy Award and NAACP Image Award-winner Archie Panjabi (“The Good Wife,” “Snowpiercer,” “Blindspot”). Watch the new video trailer now!

BWW Review: HABEAS CORPUS, Menier Chocolate Factory Theatre


It's good to hear collective laughter again in a theatre, but the dated characters grate rather than charm, and fewer jokes land in 2020s than in the 1970s.

Full Cast Announced For HABEAS CORPUS at the Menier Chocolate Factory


Joining the previously announced Kirsty Besterman (Constance Wicksteed), Jasper Britton (Arthur Wicksteed), Matthew Cottle (Canon Throbbing), Ria Jones (Mrs Swabb), Thomas Josling (Dennis Wicksteed), Caroline Langrishe (Lady Rumpers), Catherine Russell (Muriel Wicksteed) and Abdul Salis (Mr Shanks), are Katie Bernstein (Felicity Rumpers), Kelvin O'Mard (Mr Purdue) and Dan Starkey (Sir Percy).

Menier Chocolate Factory Announces Initial Casting Announced For Alan Bennett's HABEAS CORPUS


The antics of the Wicksteed home are a darkly satirical merry-go-round in Alan Bennett's Habeas Corpus.  Family, friends and the quest for sexual pleasures of the body (“corpus”) are the ruling passions in this farcical comedy of ill-manners. Through an escapade of mistaken identities and carnal encounters, one motto holds fast: “He whose lust lasts, lasts longest.”

BWW Review: THE SUNSET LIMITED, Boulevard Theatre


a?oeWhat is a true book?a?? Cormac McCarthy's early attempts to distinguish the nature of fiction in The Sunset Limited are, at the very least, ironic. A programme essay from Joe Penhall suggests the difficulty of the play form is the reason McCarthy has only ever had two performed. To be blunt, it shows.

ENDGAME Leads January's Top 10 New London Shows


London is never short of temptations, whether splashy West End shows, epic dramas or bold fringe offerings. From a starry Beckett revival to Tom Stoppard and magical mishaps, here are some of this month's most eye-catching openings. Don't forget to check back for BroadwayWorld's reviews, interviews and features!

Casting Announced For THE SUNSET LIMITED At The Boulevard Theatre


The Boulevard Theatre today announces casting for the London premiere of The Sunset Limited, a gripping play about redemption, faith and free by multi award-winning writer Cormac McCarthy. The two hander features performances from Gary Beadle, who will play the role of 'Black' and Jasper Britton, who will play the role of 'White'.

Justin Audibert Hosts BEYOND THE FABLES Fundraising Gala At The Unicorn


Beyond the Fables is the Unicorn Theatre's exclusive fundraising gala dinner, which will take place on the Unicorn's main stage on Wednesday 5th June 2019. Hosted by Artistic Director Justin Audibert, this unique event is aimed at raising vital funds for Reach, the theatre's major new community scheme, designed to help those in greatest need and the very hardest to reach children.

BWW Interview: Director Justin Audibert Talks THE TAMING OF THE SHREW


Turning the 1590's patriarchy into a matriarchy, Justin Audibert breaks down why he chose to gender reverse The Taming of the Shrew for the Royal Shakespeare Company, and what effects the decision has had on the actors and audience alike.

BWW Interview: Jasper Britton Talks WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION


Witness for the Prosecution announced that it would be extending its run at London County Hall this week, with court now in session until March 2020. Jasper Britton shares what it's like to play this venue and with these immersed audiences.

Photo Flash: First Look at the New Cast of WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION


Eleanor Lloyd Productions and Rebecca Stafford Productions today release the first images featuring the new cast of Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie, now in its second year in the spectacular Chamber space inside London's County Hall. The new company's first performance was on Tuesday 20 November and brand new production photography can be seen below!

WITNESS FOR THE PROSECUTION Celebrates A Killer First Year And Announces New Cast


Witness for the Prosecution this week celebrates its 1st birthday at London's County Hall. Director Lucy Bailey (Love From A Stranger, The Graduate, Titus Andronicus) thrillingly places the audience in the thick of the action in 'the comfiest seats in London' (New York Times), or observing from the Press Gallery, as Agatha Christie's gripping tale of justice, passion and betrayal unfolds around them.

BWW Review: PACK OF LIES, Menier Chocolate Factory


Hugh Whitemore's slow-burning dramedy Pack of Lies, is based on the real life events that surrounded a family living in Ruislip who discover that their best friends and neighbours may not be who they think they are.

Photo Flash: First Look at Menier Chocolate Factory's PACK OF LIES


Menier Chocolate Factory presents a major revival of Hugh Whitemore's Pack of Lies. Hannah Chissick directs Jasper Britton as (Stewart), Sia Dauda (Sally), Alasdair Harvey (Peter Kroger), Chris Larkin (Bob Jackson), Macy Nyman (Julie Jackson), Tracy-Ann Oberman (Helen Kroger), Natalie Walter (Thelma) and Finty Williams (Barbara Jackson). The production opens on 1 October, with previews from 20 September, and runs until 17 November.

Jasper Britton, Sia Dauda, and More Will Lead The Menier Chocolate Factory's Revival Of PACK OF LIES


With Spamilton: An American Parody currently running at the theatre, the Menier Chocolate Factory today announces full casting for their major revival of Hugh Whitemore's Pack of Lies. Hannah Chissick directs Jasper Britton as (Stewart), Sia Dauda (Sally), Alasdair Harvey (Peter Kroger), Chris Larkin (Bob Jackson), Macy Nyman (Julie Jackson), Tracy-Ann Oberman (Helen Kroger), Natalie Walter (Thelma) and Finty Williams (Barbara Jackson). The production opens on 1 October, with previews from 20 September, and runs until 17 November.

Manchester's Royal Exchange Theatre Leads UK Theatre Award Nominations - Check Out The Full List!


The list of nominees has been announced for this year's UK Theatre Awards, the only nationwide awards to honour and celebrate outstanding achievements in theatre throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Photo Flash: Inside Rehearsal For The Menier Chocolate Factory's PACK OF LIES


With Spamilton: An American Parody currently running at the theatre, the Menier Chocolate Factory today announces full casting for their major revival of Hugh Whitemore's Pack of Lies. Hannah Chissick directs Jasper Britton as (Stewart), Sia Dauda (Sally), Alasdair Harvey (Peter Kroger), Chris Larkin (Bob Jackson), Macy Nyman (Julie Jackson), Tracy-Ann Oberman (Helen Kroger), Natalie Walter (Thelma) and Finty Williams (Barbara Jackson). The production opens on 1 October, with previews from 20 September, and runs until 17 November.

Jasper Britton, Sia Dauda, and More Will Lead The Menier Chocolate Factory's Revival Of PACK OF LIES


With Spamilton: An American Parody currently running at the theatre, the Menier Chocolate Factory today announces full casting for their major revival of Hugh Whitemore's Pack of Lies. Hannah Chissick directs Jasper Britton as (Stewart), Sia Dauda (Sally), Alasdair Harvey (Peter Kroger), Chris Larkin (Bob Jackson), Macy Nyman (Julie Jackson), Tracy-Ann Oberman (Helen Kroger), Natalie Walter (Thelma) and Finty Williams (Barbara Jackson). The production opens on 1 October, with previews from 20 September, and runs until 17 November.

Jasper Britton FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many Broadway shows has Jasper Britton been in?

Jasper Britton has not appeared on Broadway.

How many West End shows has Jasper Britton been in?

Jasper Britton has appeared on London's West End in 3 shows.

What was Jasper Britton's first West End show?

Jasper Britton's first West End show was The Libertine which opened in 2016

What awards has Jasper Britton been nominated for?

Jasper Britton has been nominated for the Outstanding Lead Actor, Non-Resident Production award at the Helen Hayes Awards for his performance in "Taming of the Shrew."

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