David Suchet Plays Thomas à Becket in Orange Tree Theatre's Murder in the Cathedral
A revival of T.S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral is co-directed by Tom Littler and Francesca Ellis at St John the Divine Church in Richmond. David Suchet takes on the role of Thomas à Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, whose return in 1170 leads to his assassination by four knights loyal to King Henry II. The play, written during the interwar period, delves into themes of power, doubt, and martyrdom, enhanced by live choral music from a 16-voice women's choir. The design by Robert Jones incorporates the church's nave, while Peter Mumford's lighting adds dramatic flair. Costumes draw inspiration from both the 1930s and the High Middle Ages. The production runs until 7 November before moving to Theatre Royal Bath from 10 to 21 November, with a review by Diana Carroll for ArtsHub.
Key facts
- David Suchet plays Thomas à Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, in T.S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral
- Tom Littler and Francesca Ellis co-direct the Orange Tree Theatre production
- Performances take place at St John the Divine Church in Richmond, not in the theatre building
- The production runs until 7 November and then transfers to Theatre Royal Bath from 10 to 21 November
- Orlando Gough composed the score and arrangements for four singers and a 16-voice women's community choir
- Robert Jones designed the staging and Peter Mumford the lighting; Cat Fuller created the costumes
- David Yelland plays Fourth Tempter and Fourth Knight, with four actors doubling in both sets of roles
- Becket was murdered on 29 December 1170 and canonised three years later
- The reviewer is Dr Diana Carroll, writing for ArtsHub
Entities
Artists
- David Suchet
- Tom Littler
- Francesca Ellis
- T.S. Eliot
- Thomas à Becket
- King Henry II
- Orlando Gough
- Robert Jones
- Peter Mumford
- Cat Fuller
- David Yelland
- Diana Carroll
Institutions
- Orange Tree Theatre
- St John the Divine Church
- Theatre Royal Bath
- ArtsHub
Locations
- Richmond
- United Kingdom
- London
- Bath
- Canterbury
- Adelaide
- Australia