Jacobi will play Mercutio. In a press statement, he has said, "It's always a privilege to return to Shakespeare. The role of Mercutio is an exciting and intriguing challenge to take on. I'm particularly happy to tackle it in the company of Richard Madden and Lily James, with whom I had such an exciting working relationship in "Cinderella." 

Branagh adds, "Sir Derek Jacobi has been an inspiration to so many actors and audiences throughout his brilliant career. To see him in Shakespeare is an event in itself. It's an honour to welcome this wonderful artist to our season of plays at the Garrick."

Jacobi's recent stage credits include the title role in King Lear at the Donmar Warehouse. He has worked extensively in Shakespeare including starring in productions of Twelfth Night, The Tempest, Macbeth, Richard III, Richard II, Much Ado About Nothing, Antony and Cleopatra and Hamlet. On Broadway, his work includes the transfer of the RSC's production of Much Ado About Nothing (for which he won the Tony for Best Actor in a Play in 1985), as well as starring in The Suicide, Cyrano de Bergerac, Breaking the Code (Tony nominated) and Uncle Vanya.



To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 482 9673 or visit www.branaghtheatre.com