Culture | Theatre Theatrical giants Mark Rylance and Derek Jacobi will share a stage later this year to raise money for one of the capital’s newest theatres. The pair will perform Shakespeare’s Venus and Adonis - a poem from 1593 regarded as probably the Bard’s first published work - at the Marylebone Theatre. It is part of the autumn/winter season at the venue which only opened its doors in September 2022.
The season includes The Last Word, a multimedia show based on the last words of women accused of political crimes in Russian courts, a “serious comedy” called What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank and A Sherlock Carol which is a festive-themed take on the great detective. Rylance, whose career includes a stint running Shakespeare ’s Globe as well as Hollywood film roles, said: “In the early 1990's I was a month away from performing Venus and Adonis when the production had to be cancelled. “Thirty years later, I am excited to be revisiting my plans to play Shakespeare's first known published work as part of a gala fundraiser for the Marylebone Theatre.
“This excellent new venue, of which I am a patron, stages original, wonderful plays, often in verse. I am delighted that my dear friend Derek Jacobi will be joining on stage to support a venue with a unique calling to explore and refresh the great classical tradition.” The theatre also plans to increase its seating capacity from 200 to 266 seats in a bid to meet demand and expand its commercial .