Kenneth Branagh News

Lynne Meadow (Artistic Director), Barry Grove (Executive Producer), and Mandy Greenfield (Artistic Producer) previously announced that THE EXPLORERS CLUB, the world premiere comedy by Tony nominee Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde), will be directed by Marc Bruni (Ordinary Days, Old Jews Telling Jokes) featuring Obie Award winner Steven Boyer and Tony Award winner Richard Easton.

As previously announced, John O'Hurley will star as King Arthur. Also starring will be Michelle Ragusa as The Lady of the Lake, Kevin Cahoon as Historian, John Scherer as Sir Robin, David Hibbard as Patsy, Chris Hoch as Sir Lancelot, Ben Davis as Sir Dennis Galahad, and Tally Sessions as Dennis' Mother/Sir Bedevere. Joining them will be broadcast legend Bob Costas as The Voice of God.

Actress Lily James (Downton Abbey) has been cast as Cinderella in Disney's upcoming live-action interpretation of the beloved classic tale. The film is being directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh and stars Cate Blanchett as the iconic evil stepmother.

THE KING'S SKELETON: RICHARD III REVEALED is produced by the only team allowed access to the scientists, the archaeological dig, and the scientific tests to determine the skeleton's identity, which were carried out in complete secrecy. The new two-hour special will premiere on Smithsonian Channel tonight, April 21, 2013 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

Krister Henriksson, who is best known as Wallander in Henning Mankell's widely praised Swedish TV series, makes his West End debut in Doktor Glas starting previews from tonight, 16 April at the Wyndham's Theatre. Originally performed at The National Theatre of Sweden, Doktor Glas is adapted from the classic novel by Hjalmar Soderberg and performed in its original Swedish with English surtitles. The production runs from tonight, 16 April until 11 May 2013.

According to the Daily Mail, Seth Numrich, star of Broadway's War Horse and Golden Boy, will join Kim Cattrall in the Old Vic's production of Tennessee Williams' Sweet Bird of Youth, directed by Marianne Elliott (War Horse). The production is set to begin June 12.

According to the Daily Mail, Alex Kingston (Doctor Who) will play the role of 'Lady Macbeth' opposite Kenneth Branagh in the 2013 Manchester International Festival production of Shakespeare's Macbeth, beginning July 5. Rehearsals start next month. Directed by Rob Ashford and Kenneth Branagh, this interpretation of Shakespeare's tragedy will unfold within the walls of an intimate deconsecrated Manchester Church.

The Dallas Opera presents Dominick Argento's riveting 1988 opera, THE ASPERN PAPERS, in a brand-new production to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of its TDO world premiere. THE ASPERN PAPERS will open tonight, April 12, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.

The next main stage production at The Print Room - MOLLY SWEENEY by Brian Friel - is currently in previews and will open on Tuesday 2nd April, running until Saturday 27th April. Click below to watch a preview for the production!

The next main stage production at The Print Room - MOLLY SWEENEY by Brian Friel - is currently in previews and will open on Tuesday 2nd April, running until Saturday 27th April. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the cast in rehearsal below!

The Dallas Opera presents Dominick Argento's riveting 1988 opera, THE ASPERN PAPERS, in a brand-new production to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of its TDO world premiere. THE ASPERN PAPERS will open on the evening of Friday, April 12, 2013 at 7:30 p.m. in the Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House.

Acclaimed stage and film star Alfred Molina may be lining up a new job. According to Deadline, Molina, the current star of TNT's MONDAY MORNINGS, has entered late negotiations to star opposite Krysten Ritter (DON'T TRUST THE B---- IN APARTMENT 23) in NBC's single-camera comedy pilot ASSISTANCE. The project comes from Will Ferrell and Adam McKay's Gary Sanchez Prods and Universal TV.

Last month, BWW reported that Emma Watson was in talks to star in Disney's upcoming live film adaptation of the classic fairytale CINDERELLA. According to Comingsoon.net, the 'Harry Potter' actress has decided to bow out of the film.

As reported by the Daily Mail, 'Downton Abbey' star Hugh Bonneville is set to co-host this year's Olivier Awards with Sheridan Smith at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden on April 28, 2013. Nominations will be revealed March 26.

Krister Henriksson, who is best known as Wallander in Henning Mankell's widely praised Swedish TV series, makes his West End debut in Doktor Glas starting previews from 16 April at the Wyndham's Theatre. Originally performed at the National Theatre of Sweden, Doktor Glas is adapted from the classic novel by Hjalmar Soderberg and performed in its original Swedish with English surtitles. The production runs from 16 April until 11 May 2013.

HARRY POTTER star Emma Watson has her eye on the title role in director Kenneth Branagh's new live-action feature film adaptation of CINDERELLA and Disney is in early talks with her to star in the soon-to-be-shot fairy tale.

Branagh last performed Shakespeare when he played Richard III at the Sheffield Crucible in 2002. His recent stage performances as Edmund at the National Theatre and Ivanov for the Donmar played to great acclaim. In 2011, Branagh completed a sell-out run of the hit comedy The Painkiller at the Lyric Theatre in his native Belfast.

Emma Watson may soon be putting down her magic wand and putting on her glass slippers. Variety reports that the 'Harry Potter' star is in early talks to star in Disney's upcoming film adaptation of the classic fairytale CINDERELLA.

The theatre programme for the Manchester International Festival 2013 has been announced. MIF13 commissions include: The Machine, The Old Woman, Macbeth, The Masque of Anarchy and The Rite of Spring.