RSC announces full casting for THE RESISTIBLE RISE OF ARTURO UI
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced full casting for its 2026 production of Bertolt Brecht’s The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui, which plays in the Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon from 11 April- 30 May.
Starring the previously announced double Olivier award-winning actor Mark Gatiss in the title role of the notorious gangster and small-time crook, with big boss ambitions, the production sees BAFTA award-winning actor and comedian Mawaan Rizwan (Juice, BBC) make his RSC debut in the role of violent gang member Giri, alongside Kadiff Kirwan (Intimate Apparel, Donmar Warehouse) as Arturo Ui’s faithful henchman Roma. They will be joined by double Olivier award-winner Janie Dee (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare’s Globe) as Betty Dullfeet, Christopher Godwin (The Crucible, Old Vic) as Dogsborough, and LJ Parkinson (Cowbois, RSC) in the role of master manipulator Givola.
The full cast includes Joe Alessi as Butcher/Dullfeet/Prosecution, Valerie Antwi (Ensemble/Swing), Mark Hammersley (Ensemble/Swing), Rebekah Hinds as Flake/Dockdaisy, Cameron Johnson as Mulberry/Jimmy Greenwool/The Judge, Samuel Nunes de Souza (Ensemble), Mahesh Parmar as Dogsborough's Son/Fish/Inna, Santino Smith as Sheet/Hook, and Amanda Wilkin as Clark/Ragg/The Woman.
Directed by Seán Linnen, in a new version by Stephen Sharkey, Brecht’s riotous ‘gangster spectacle’ – set in the back alleys of Chicago’s criminal underworld - offers a blistering satire on Hitler’s ascent to power and a chilling warning from history which continues to echo down the centuries.
Director Seán Linnen said: “To make my RSC directorial debut with The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui is an honour and a galvanising responsibility. Brecht’s play is a howl from history begging us to do things differently and reminding us that tyranny doesn’t arrive fully formed; it creeps in through charm, complicity and silence.
“What’s thrilling about bringing this production to the Swan is the chance to stage it, not as a history lesson, but as a living, breathing provocation to the world we are living in. With Stephen Sharkey’s razor-sharp version, Placebo’s darkly seductive score and this extraordinary company led by Mark Gatiss, we’re leaning into the play’s ferocious wit and theatricality, its music, its mischief, and its danger.
“As the threat from the far-right grows daily at home and abroad, it is our job as artists to speak up and out. There is no other play that interrogates the global political moment we are living through more than this one, and I'm so lucky to have such fearless and formidable collaborators to bring this production to life.”
'This city’s sick. You need me. Arturo Ui'
A small-time crook with big boss ambitions.
While the Great Depression inflicts hardship across the nation, Chicago’s underworld festers with sex, scandal, violence and corruption. It’s the perfect storm for a schemer like Ui, his reputation as hot as hell.
Feeding on fear, Ui and his ruthless cronies make back-alley deals to protect the workers. So far, so bad. But his helpless targets watch on as Ui's influence gains dangerous momentum and his venom threatens to seep through the markets, politics and the law to seize the city – and beyond. This is a man on a mission for power. Will anyone stop him?
The creative team also includes set and costume designer Georgia Lowe, lighting designer Robbie Butler, composer Placebo – Brian Molko and Stefan Olsdal, sound designer Johnny Edwards, movement director Jennifer Jackson, fight director Haruka Kuroda, casting director Christopher Worrall CDG, musical director Richie Hart, and voice and text coach Charmian Hoare.
For more info on The Resistible Rise of Arturo UI, please click here.