The multi-BAFTA winning actor AKA Bilbo Baggins, AKA John Watson will be starring as one of Shakespeare's greatest villians in this new Jamie Lloyd production.

Lloyd has seen a meterorical success as a director in the West End, having directed hits such as The Commitments and The Pride; he is also known for his lef-field casting choices, most notably James McAvoy as Macbeth in 2013, also at the Trafalgar Studios.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

Set during the Wilson Government of the 1970s, a bloody coup has overthrown the political elite, and the despotic, bitter Richard is determined to gain influential power, no matter the cost. As he rises unlawfully up the political ladder, he commits some truly heinous crimes against his opponents, whilst charming potential allies.

A master manipulator, politically savvy, and with beguiling charm to make up for his grotesque appearance, the Duke cheats, lies and assassinates his way through the poisonous power vacuum like an adder in the grass - until, he finds himself alone, paranoid and cornered, as all despots invitably do.

DID YOU KNOW?

Shakespeare's Richard III was well-known for having a hunchback - however following the discovery of the skeleton of the real-life monarch under a car park in Leicester, forensics experts found that his back was perfectly normal, with no sign of a hunched back.