Shameless star David Threlfall returns to Manchester stage after 27 years
Shameless star David Threlfall returns to Manchester’s Royal Exchange after 27 years to play King Lear in a major new production.
One of Manchester’s most recognisable television actors is coming home, with Shameless star David Threlfall returning to the Royal Exchange Theatre after 27 years to play King Lear.
David Threlfall is best known for playing Frank Gallagher throughout Channel 4’s Shameless, the chaotic father at the centre of the long running Manchester drama. Film audiences may also recognise him from Hot Fuzz and Nowhere Boy, while his extensive stage career has included an Olivier Award and a Tony Award nomination.
David will now take on King Lear, one of Shakespeare’s biggest roles, in a new production running at the Royal Exchange from 2 October until 15 November. It marks his first appearance at the Manchester theatre in 27 years and forms part of the venue’s 50th anniversary Homecoming season.
King Lear follows an ageing ruler who decides to divide his kingdom between his daughters. His attempt to give away power while maintaining control begins destroying both his family and the country around him, leading to betrayal, violence and war.
The production is adapted and directed by Matthew Dunster, a Manchester born director, playwright and actor whose major theatre credits include Hangmen, The Pillowman and 2:22 A Ghost Story. He also has a long relationship with the Royal Exchange, making the production a homecoming for both its director and leading man.
The wider cast includes Jason Done, familiar to television viewers as Tom Clarkson in Waterloo Road, alongside acclaimed singer Nadine Shah as Goneril and Jonathan Slinger as Gloucester.
For viewers who mainly associate David with Frank Gallagher, King Lear provides a completely different chance to see him perform. His connection to Manchester makes the production particularly fitting, with the actor returning to the theatre where he performed repeatedly earlier in his career.
Where to see King Lear
King Lear runs at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester from 2 October until 15 November. Standard tickets currently start from £12, with availability varying between performances.
Tickets can be booked directly through the Royal Exchange Theatre.
