Wolf Hall will begin performances Dec. 11 and Bring Up the Bodies Dec. 19, before opening on a press day on Jan. 8, 2014, for a run in rep through March 29. Both plays will be directed by Jeremy Herrin.

Miles, who will play Thomas Cromwell, returns to the RSC, where he last appeared in The Two Gentlemen of Verona in 1993. Other theatre credits include The Norman Conquests (Old Vic and Broadway's Circle in the Square Theatre), My Child (Royal Court) and Richard II (Old Vic).

Briers, who will play Katherine of Aragon, makes her RSC debut. Previous theatre credits include Out of Joint's Top Girls (Chichester Festival'a Minerva and Trafalgar Studios). She is currently appearing in BBC 2's comedy "Count Arthur Strong."

Jesson, who will play Cardinal Wolsey, returns to the RSC having last appeared in Troilus and Cressida as part of the Complete Works Festival. Other theatre credits include Sam Mendes’ productions of The Winter's Tale and The Cherry Orchard (Old Vic and New York's BAM).

Parker, who will play Henry VIII, recently played Gordon Brown in the West End production of The Audience. His TV credits include three series of the BBC’s Inspector Lynley Mysteries and the television adaptation of Bleak House. In a press statement, Mantel commented, "It's very exciting for me to see the characters from the Cromwell novels spring to life, ready for the stage this winter. I'm delighted we have secured such gifted actors for four of the major figures in the plays, and look forward to meeting the rest of the cast in the near future."

To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 800 1110, or visit www.rsc.org.uk for more details.