Simon Godwin makes his RSC debut to direct Shakespeare’s exuberant romantic comedy. Simon is Associate Director of the Royal Court, and he most recently directed Strange Interlude at the National Theatre. The production features Mark Arends as Proteus and Michael Marcus as Valentine. Mark recently appeared in Headlong’s 1984, and Michael’s credits include playing Henry Tudor in the BBC series The White Queen. Launce is played by Roger Morlidge, who has just finished appearing in the West End transfer of The Full Monty.

This is the first time in 45 years that The Two Gentleman of Verona has been performed in a full production on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre (RST) stage and received its press performance in July this year to critical acclaim.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona full cast includes: Mark Arends (Proteus); Elliot Barnes-Worrell (Outlaw); Martin Bassindale (Speed); Pearl Chanda (Julia); Nicholas Gerard-Martin (Thurio); Robert Gilbert (Outlaw); Jonny Glynn (The Duke of Milan); Molly Gromadzki (Host/Singer); Youssef Kerkour (Sir Eglamour); Sarah MacRae (Silvia); Michael Marcus (Valentine); Roger Morlidge (Launce); Keith Osborn (Antonio); Leigh Quinn (Lucetta) and Simon Yadoo (Panthino/Outlaw). Mossop plays Crab the dog!

The production is designed by Paul Wills with lighting by Bruno Poet. The music is composed by Michael Bruce with sound by Christopher Shutt. The Movement director is Jonathan Goddard.

Tickets are $15 adults, $13 Lincoln Theater members, and $5 Youth 18 & under, and can be purchased by calling the box office at 563-3424 during office hours, Tuesday-Friday, 11 am to 2 pm or by stopping by at the theater on 2 Theater Street in Damariscotta. They will also be available at the door one hour before showtime. Additional information, and a look at the production trailer, can be found on the theater’s website at www.atthelincoln.org. There will also be a re-broadcast later in October.