Sheffield Theatres have announced the full company of actors who will play across a double-bill of two major new Shakespearean productions in the world-famous Crucible Theatre this autumn. A rare event in contemporary theatre, the company will play two or more roles across the season in both productions.

They join the previously announced Olivier and Tony Award-winner Ian McDiarmid (Star Wars) in King Leardirected by Donmar Warehouse Associate Artistic Director Titas Halder (The Dance of Death) and Mathew Horne (Gavin & Stacey) in Twelfth Night directed by Jamie Glover (The Homecoming).

The company includes David Birrell as Gloucester/Feste, James Chetwood as Oswald/Sir Andrew Aguecheek,Mark Holgate as Kent/Antonio, Christopher Jordan as Curan/Priest/Valentine & Second Officer, Justina Kehinde as Regan/Olivia, Hazel Monaghan as Swing/Actor-Musician, Harry Redding as Edgar/Sebastian, Max Revell as Fool/Curio, Jay Saighal as Cornwall/Fabian, Bebe Sanders as Cordelia/Viola, Sachin K Sharma as France/Captain and Sea Captain/First Officer, Fode Simbo as Edmund/Orsino, Milo Twomey as Albany/Sir Toby Belch and Katie Wimpenny as Goneril/Maria.

Director of King Lear, Titas Halder said: “What a fabulous company we have to make these two very special plays with. I’m delighted to be working with these wonderful actors. Matilda James has done the most exceptional job as casting director, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside her and Jamie to assemble this fantastic group.”

Director of Twelfth Night, Jamie Glover said: “It has been a true joy working alongside Titas and the wonderful Matilda James to assemble this exceptional cast of actors. I cannot wait to get into the room with them and start work on Twelfth Night. But I’m equally excited to simply get to watch the magic they will bring to what I am certain will be a gripping, thrilling production of King Lear.”

Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, Elizabeth Newman said: “As I began to conceive of our 2026 autumn season I could not stop thinking about where the world is right now. And, at this moment, it feels more important than ever that we offer our audiences work of the highest quality, ambition and imagination. 

“As Artistic Director of Sheffield Theatres, I can think of no better way to do that than by filling the Crucible – a theatre conceived as a home for great drama – with two of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, brought to life by a truly world-class company of actors. This idea of a company of actors bringing both productions to life feels like a true celebration of theatre and of everything Shakespeare himself championed-the power of an ensemble of players. 

“It is a privilege to welcome Ian McDiarmid back to the Crucible to take on the monumental role of Lear and to welcome the wonderful Mathew Horne to join our Shakespearean Company to play Malvolio. And, on a very personal note, this autumn has a special significance as I’ve been able to work with the brilliant directors Titas Halder and Jamie Glover and collaborate with one of my predecessors, the extraordinary Michael Grandage. Making this Shakespeare Season really does feel like a landmark moment in the theatre’s history. I cannot wait to welcome audiences into the Crucible.”

Michael Grandage, Artistic Director of MGC added: “Elizabeth Newman continues to put Sheffield Theatres at the centre of the UK’s creative output and I am delighted MGC can join her for this hugely ambitious season. Apart from anything else, it’s a wonderful opportunity for me to return to the Crucible and engage with all the great work that is going on.”

King Lear is at the Crucible from 29 August to 19 September. Twelfth Nigh runs from 10-31 October. For ticket details call 0114 249 6000 or click here.