Travel Pick: Pop Culture and Cinema in England
Stephen Tompkinson Stars in Bloody Thriller, The Revenger's Tragedy

Best known for his work on high profile TV series such as Drop the Dead Donkey, Ballykissangel and Wild at Heart, popular film and television actor Stephen Tompkinson returns to Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre next month to star as Vindice in a new production of tne bloody Jacobean thriller The Revenger's Tragedy.

Guest director Jonathan Moore takes the helm for this blackly comic tale of lust, ambition and violent retribution, rich in savage poetry, sensuality and humour. At the centre of the action, Vindice seeks to avenge the murder of his beloved Gloriana - leaving a massive body count in his wake. The action will be brought to vivid life with lavish sets and costumes from acclaimed designer David Blight.

Expert opinion is divided as to the true authorship of the play – some claim it for Cyril Tourneur but many now believe it is more likely the work of Thomas Middleton.

The cast also includes: Jonathan Keeble, Merryn Owen, Sam Fletcher, Mikey North, Damian O’Hare, Robert Demeger, John Gillett, Corinna Powlesland, Stephanie Brittain, Eileen O’Brien, Marc Parry, Stephen Hudson and Drew Horner.

The creative team is completed by Vince Herbert (lighting), Steve Brown (sound), Renny Krupinski (fights) and Peter Brennan (choreographer).