Emmy and Golden Globe winner Elizabeth Debicki will lead the Royal Shakespeare Company’s new production of Richard II, marking the company’s first staging of the role with a woman. The history play opens on 10 April at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Elizabeth Debicki takes on the title role in the RSC’s production of Richard II, directed by Daniel Raggett. Running from 10 April to 22 May, the production will premiere with a press night on 20 April at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

This marks Debicki’s debut with the RSC and continues the company’s exploration of gender in classic roles, as she becomes the first woman to play Richard II in an RSC production.

The creative team includes set designer Leslie Travers and dramaturg Rebecca Latham. Further members of the cast and creative team are yet to be confirmed.

Richard II is a history play by William Shakespeare, focusing on the downfall of the eponymous king. This new staging will feature fresh interpretations under Raggett’s direction as part of the RSC’s recently announced summer season.

The production highlights the RSC’s ongoing commitment to innovative casting choices and reexamining canonical texts, reflecting wider trends in contemporary theatre.

Audience and industry interest will likely focus on Debicki’s interpretation of the complex monarch as the production unfolds in the coming weeks.