The Donmar Warehouse has confirmed full casting for The King’s Ransom, a dark comedy by Stuart Slade about a botched Elvis Presley corpse heist. The world premiere opens in December 2026, directed by Matthew Dunster.

The King’s Ransom follows small-time criminal Vince Black, played by Charlie Cox, who gathers a team of misfits to steal Elvis Presley’s corpse for a million-dollar ransom. The dark comedy tackles themes of grief and redemption through this audacious caper.

Joining Cox are Blake Harrison as Rusty, Tom Fletcher as Charlie, Matthew Flynn as Mr Bluefield, and Leo Patrick as Jessie Lee. Ruby Barker, Eira Kay and Trixie Willis will rotate in the role of Martha, with Jenny Rainsford, Christopher Short, Cherrelle Skeete and Ronnie Yorke completing the ensemble.

Matthew Dunster directs the production, which runs from 5 December 2026 until 6 February 2027. A press night is scheduled for 16 December at the Donmar Warehouse.

The creative team includes Anna Fleischle on set design, Jean Chan for costumes, Sally Ferguson lighting, and Holly Khan handling sound. Illusion design is by Chris Cox, with Ruth Cooper-Brown and Rachel Bown-Williams of Rc-Annie serving as fight and intimacy directors, and casting by Lotte Hines.

The King’s Ransom is a new work from Stuart Slade, adding to the Donmar’s record of staging inventive, character-driven contemporary theatre. The show’s intriguing premise and notable cast underline the venue’s commitment to fresh, challenging plays.

Details on further production elements and ticket availability are yet to be announced.