By Andrew Gans
10 Apr 2004

Stephen Rea

Stephen Rea, of "The Crying Game" fame, begins performances April 10 in the National Theatre's new production of Cyrano de Bergerac.

Rea stars in the title role of Derek Mahon's new translation of the Edmond Rostand classic about a physically unappealing swordsman, poet and philosopher who tries to win the affections of his beautiful cousin Roxane. Directed by Howard Davies, the company also features Claire Price as Roxane, Anthony O’Donnell as Ragueneau, Malcolm Storry as De Guiche and Zubin Varla as Christian.

Cyrano, which plays the National's Olivier Theatre, will officially open for the London press April 19. The limited engagement ends June 24. The ensemble includes Thomas Arnold, Stephen Berkeley-White, Mark Bonnar, David Collings, Stephen Critchlow, Gildas Diquero, Joanne Fong, Gregory Fox-Murphy, Antonia Grove, Dermot Kerrigan, Pascal Langdale, Miranda Lind, Katherine Manners, Mairead McKinley, Simon Merrells, Katy Odey, Harry Peacock, William Rycroft, Nick Sampson, Karl Sullivan, Trevor Thomas, Daniel Tuite and Tam Ward.

The creative team for the production comprises William Dudley (set design), John Bright (costume design), Paul Anderson (lighting design), Dominic Muldowney (music), Christopher Bruce (movement and dance), William Hobbs (fight director) and Paul Groothuis (sound design).

Born in Ireland, Stephen Rea made his Broadway debut in Someone Who'll Watch Over Me, earning a Theatre World Award and a Tony nomination for that performance. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his role in "The Crying Game," and his other screen credits include "Princess Caraboo," "Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles," "Pret-a Porter," "Fever Pitch," "Double Tap," "The Musketeer," "FeatdotCom," "Evelyn," "Proud" and "Bloom."

Tickets for Cyrano de Bergerac range from £9-£25. For more information visit the National Theatre's website at www.nt-online.org.