The Libertine at the Citizens Theatre

Published: 23 March 2014
Reporter: Sandra Giorgetti

The Libertine Credit: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

Martin Hutson whose credits include work with the National Theatre, Royal Shakespeare Company, Bristol Old Vic and Chichester Festival Theatre is to play the role of Rochester in the Citizens Theatre new production of The Libertine.

This raunchy historical drama tells the true story of John Wilmot, the notorious second Earl of Rochester—a hedonistic poet, courtier, playwright and rake—his need for excess leading to a spectacular fall from favour.

In the cast with Martin Hutson are Andy Clark, Barbara Rafferty and Tony Cownie, all familiar faces to theatregoers in Scotland.

The Libertine is written by Stephen Jeffreys; it is to be directed by Citizens artistic director Dominic Hill and will feature original music by composer Hilary Brooks. After playing the Glasgow venue, the production will visit Bristol Old Vic.

Dominic Hill has said “I’m really excited to be giving The Libertine its first major stage production in the UK since its London première.

"It feels to me like such a 'Citz' play, with everything that has made the Citizens famous: a brilliant script, visual flair and a celebration of theatre itself.

"There’s long been a tradition at the Citizens of theatre that’s risqué and outrageous, and I think the bawdiness of The Libertine will serve that tradition very well.”

The Libertine plays the Citizens Theatre from 3 to 24 May. Captioned and audio described performances have been programmed as well as a post show talk on 15 May.

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