Ballard And McNee Cast In Silbert's MEASURE FOR MEASURE For The RSC

RSC Associate Director Roxana Silbert is directing a new production of Shakespeare's Measure for Measure in the Swan Theatre as part of the Winter Season. The play previews from 17 November 2011 and runs in repertoire in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon until 10 March 2012.

Roxana said: ‘Directing Measure for Measure, a brilliant play politically and philosophically, would always have been a pleasure and a privilege. It's been made an even more exceptional experience to envision it for The Swan - a space I've always loved for its warmth, charm and intimacy with the audience.'

Shakespeare puts moral and religious double standards on trial in this dark and fascinating exploration of virtue as a political currency.

Making a welcome return to the RSC to play Angelo is Jamie Ballard. Jamie last performed for the company in the 2005/6 season when his roles included Flute in A Midsummer Night's Dream, Silvius in As You Like It, Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet, Borachio in Much Ado about Nothing and The Count Melun in King John. His other stage work includes Emperor and Galilean at The National Theatre, The Devil Inside Him for The National Theatre of Wales and the title role in Hamlet directed by Jonathan Miller for the Tobacco Factory. He was named one of the ten best Hamlets by The Observer. His recent films include The Comedian and Black Death. This season he will also play the young Lancelot Andrewes in David Edgar's Written on the Heart.

Jodie McNee makes her RSC debut this season to play Isabella in Measure for Measure and Mary Culler in Written on the Heart. Her most recent theatre credits include: Vi in This Happy Breed at the Theatre Royal Bath, Masha in The Seagull at the Arcola, When we are Married (Nimax Theatres), Canary for English Touring Theatre and Cordelia in King Lear (The Globe). Her TV credits include Criminal Justice, Poirot and Mary in The Liverpool Nativity.

Raymond Coulthard (Duke Vincentio) last worked for the RSC in 1997 when he played Christian in Gregory Doran's Cyrano de Bergerac in the Swan and on tour. Other theatre work includes Caligula at The Donmar and Coast of Utopia and Summerfolk at the National. His recent TV work includes Dr Matt Strong in Casualty and James Schofield in Hotel Babylon. Other TV work includes New Tricks, Extras, Emmerdale and Archie Christie in Agatha Christie - A Life in Pictures. Raymond played Frank Churchill in the film version of Emma alongside Kate Beckinsale. His other films include The Best Man and The English Patient. Raymond will also be seen this season in Helen Edmunson's play The Heresy of Love.

The cast is completed by: Bruce Alexander (Provost), Teresa Banham (Francisca), Geoffrey Beevers (Escalus), Paul Chahidi (Lucio), Laura Darrall, Catherine Hamilton (Mariana), Youssef Kerkour (Abhorsen), Joseph Kloska (Pompey), Sam Marks (Friar and Froth), Annette McLaughlin (Mistress Overdone), Ian Midlane (Elbow), Sarah Ovens (Juliet), Mark Quartley (Claudio) and Daniel Stewart (Barnardine).

This is Roxana Silbert's first Shakespeare production for the RSC and follows her critically acclaimed RSC production of Dunsinane by David Greig which was recently performed in the Swan Theatre as part of a National Theatre of Scotland tour (in association with the Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh), and Little Eagles by Rona Munro which was premiered at Hampstead Theatre this spring. Roxana was appointed Artistic Director of Birmingham Repertory Theatre earlier this year.

Joining Roxana on the creative team are: Garance Marneur (designer), Chahine Yavroyan (Lighting), Dave Price (Music), Ayse Tashkiran (movement) and Terry King (fights).