Marlowe Theatre announces cast and UK tour dates for A Tale of Two Cities
Mon 3 Aug 2026Adapted for the stage by Terence Rattigan and John Gielgud, and directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Michael Fentiman, this major new production brings one of Dickens’ most celebrated novels thrillingly to life for contemporary audiences. Audiences in Kent will have the opportunity to experience the production first before it begins its journey across the UK, taking the creativity and ambition of the Kent’s leading theatre to stages nationwide.
Following its premiere at the Marlowe, the production will travel to Leeds Playhouse before visiting Theatre Royal Bath, Cheltenham Theatre, Chichester Festival Theatre, King’s Theatre Edinburgh and Theatr Clwyd in 2027, with further venues to be announced.
Deborah Shaw, Chief Executive at the Marlowe Theatre, said: “This second national tour by Marlowe Theatre Productions will have our trademark quality and ambition, bringing Dickens’ much-loved novel to thrilling life in Rattigan’s emotionally charged adaptation, seen here in a major production for the very first time. With a top-class creative team led by director Michael Fentiman and a strong ensemble of actors, we’re delighted to be creating this work in Kent, to be enjoyed by audiences across England, Scotland and Wales.”
Director Michael Fentiman is equally excited to begin rehearsals today with the newly announced company. The cast includes Martin Bassindale (Stryver and Defarge), Scarlett Brookes (Miss Pross, Judge and Road Mender), Samuel Collings (Sydney Carton and Marquis de St. Evrémonde), Daniel Hickey (Ensemble), Jasmine Kerr (Ensemble), Jordan Loughran (Lucie Manette and Seamstress), Roger Ringrose (Lorry and Gabelle), Ed Sayer (Charles Darnay and Brother of Marquis de St. Evrémonde), Robyn Sinclair (Madame Defarge, Attorney General and Patrol), Simon Startin (Barsad and Gaspard) and François Testory (Dr. Manette and François).
Michael Fentiman said: “I’m thrilled that we’re now able to share this extraordinary company and the first tour dates for A Tale of Two Cities. We’ve assembled a remarkable cast, and I can’t wait for audiences to see them bring the extraordinary world of A Tale of Two Cities to life. I’m thrilled that we will visit so many beautiful and important theatres across the UK, giving audiences the opportunity to rediscover one of our greatest novels in what I believe will be a bold new production. We will endeavour to honour the richness of the original while creating a staging that vibrates with all of the excitement and invention of the modern theatre. I can’t wait to start.”
UK tour dates
2026
Marlowe Theatre: 14-19 September
Leeds Playhouse: 22-26 September
2027
Theatre Royal Bath: 15-23 January
Cheltenham Theatre: 2-6 February
Chichester Festival Theatre: 9-13 February
King’s Theatre, Edinburgh: 16-20 February
Theatr Clwyd: 23-26 February
A Tale of Two Cities is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and Marlowe Theatre Productions are proudly sponsored by LGT Wealth Management.