Juliet Stevenson and Lia Williams are to star in a new production of Friedrich Schiller's Mary Stuart, beginning performances December 2 prior to an official opening December 9, for a run through January 21, 2017. They will alternate in the roles of Elizabeth I and the title role, decided at each performance by the toss of a coin.

Robert Icke will adapt and direct Schiller's political tragedy that takes us behind the scenes of some of British history's most crucial days.

The production will be designed by Hildegard Bechtler, with lighting by Jackie Shemesh, video by Tim Reid and original composition by Laura Marling. Casting is by Julia Horan CDG.

Stevenson has previously appeared at the Almeida in Duet for One that subsequently transferred to the West End. Other recent theatre roles include Happy Days at the Young Vic. Her film credits include Departure, Mona Lisa Smile, Bend it Like Beckham, Emma, Truly Madly Deeply and the upcoming Let Me Go.

Williams was seen at the Almeida in Oresteia, which subsequently transferred to the West End's Trafalgar Studios. Other theatre credits include Old Times in the West End and Skylight at the National Theatre and subsequently in the West End and on Broadway.

Icke is currently represented in the West End by 1984, co-directed with Duncan Macmillan. Previous Almeida productions include Uncle Vanya and Oresteia (also West End; winner of the Olivier, Critics' Circle and Evening Standard Awards for Best Director). He will make his National Theatre debut directing The Red Barn at the Lyttelton Theatre in October. He is also due to direct a new production of Hamlet at the Almeida, beginning performances February 17 prior to an official opening February 28, for a run through April 8.

Tickets for Mary Stuart and Hamlet go on public sale September 8, with priority booking from August 30. To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 7359 4404 or visit almeida.co.uk.