McCabe takes lead role in RSC Cicero production

Imperium, Swan Theatre, Stratford. 16 November - 10 February.

The Royal Shakespeare Company has announced a strong cast list for its eagerly-awaited two-part production of Imperium, based on Robert Harris' best-selling novels about the Roman statesman and orator Cicero.

RSC Associate Artist Richard McCabe (pictured right), a veteran of many Stratford productions, takes the role of Marcus Tullius Cicero.

Winner of both Tony and Olivier Awards for his performance as Harold Wilson opposite Helen Mirren in the 2013 hit play The Audience, his most recent television credits include Philip K. Dick's Electric Dreams.

Siobhan Redmond, awarded an MBE for services to drama in 2013, will play opposite him as Cicero's spirited wife Terentia.

Her most recent television appearances have included The Replacement for the BBC earlier this year.

Joseph Kloska, last seen at the RSC in The Christmas Truce in 2014, plays Cicero's faithful servant Tiro, who narrates their adventures.

Imperium has been adapted from the novels by Mike Poulton, who created Hilary Mantel's acclaimed Wolf Hall and Bring Up The Bodies for the RSC, and is directed by Gregory Doran, the company's Artistic Director.