Imperium I: Conspirator
Imperium I: Conspirator
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and Playful Productions are delighted to announce the West End transfer for acclaimed, historical two-part thriller IMPERIUM - I: Conspirator and II: Dictator, running for a limited engagement at London’s Gielgud Theatre from 14 June to 8 September 2018.
Robert Harris’ best-selling Cicero trilogy is adapted for the stage by Mike Poulton as six one-act plays, presented in two performances, each with two intervals. Directed by RSC Artistic Director, Gregory Doran, IMPERIUM transfers to London following its recent sold-out run at the Swan Theatre in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
Told through the watchful eyes of Cicero’s loyal secretary, IMPERIUM - I: Conspirator chronicles how the great orator’s early success unwittingly paves the way for a brutal and bloody end to the Republic.
With Rome in chaos at the beginning of IMPERIUM - II: Dictator, Cicero must use all his brilliance to restore the power of the Senate from the civic mob and their would-be Emperor: one Gaius Julius Caesar.
- Booking Information
Imperium is a 2-part theatrical event – you are currently booking for Imperium - I: Conspirator
- Duration
3 hours 20 minutes including two intervals
- Offers Information
Imperium is a two part, two show thriller – I: Conspirator and II: Dictator – which will play together across the limited 12 week run.
It is possible to see both shows separately, consecutively, or together on the same day.
Imperium is best experienced through both parts, as one theatrical event, however both productions can be enjoyed independently.
Additional Details & FAQ
- Access Information
For access bookings please call 0344 482 5137
Captioned performance: Thursday 2nd August (Part 1) and Friday 3 August (Part 2), 7.00pm
Audio described performance: Thursday 9 August (Part 1) and Friday 10 August (Part 2), 7.00pm
- Cancellation Policy
No refunds after purchase.
- How Does It Work
You will receive a confirmation email.
If you have chosen collect at box office please print the confirmation and bring it on the day, a minimum of 30 minutes before the performance start time. You will also need to present the card used to purchase the tickets as valid ID.
If you have chosen to receive tickets by post, the tickets will be dispatched approximately 2-3 days after purchase.
- Suitable For Children
Children are welcome at all Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, but this may be subject to individual production age restrictions due to content. If any age restrictions for productions apply we shall advise you prior to the performance.
All persons aged under 16 must be accompanied and sat next to the accompanying adult. They may not sit on their own within the auditorium. If children do have separate seats, entry could be refused.
All patrons, regardless of age, must present a valid ticket to gain entry to the theatre. Please ensure that any children or infants for whom you are responsible also have a valid ticket. Your child should be able to sit unaided within the purchased seat. We do not allow children to be seated on an adult’s lap or babes in arms.
- Where Do I Go
Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Ave, Soho, London W1D 6AR
Tube: Piccadilly Circus (approx. 250m), Charing Cross (approx. 550m)
Train: Charing Cross (approx. 550m)
Reviews
Amir
Sep 6, 2018
Brilliantly acted and well-staged but slightly disappointing none the less, I think because of the difficulty in explaining the motivations of characters as complex and disparate as Clodius, Caesar, Crassus and Cataline. Where it does work well is in drawing out the character of Cicero and his pivotal role but unconscious role in the destruction of the Roman republic. Fantastic central performance.
Fref
Sep 5, 2018
Stunning production and acting. History bought to life.
Michael CHISHOLM
Aug 29, 2018
A STUNNING PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE FROM RICHARD McCABE .THE REST OF THE CAST WERE SPOT ON AS WELL. GREAT COSTUME AND SET DESIGN...HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR SERIOUS THEATRE GOERS
CJK
Aug 29, 2018
Great book. Could be better suited to a Netflix or BBC Drama series. As a play or series of plays it tries to cover too much in 3 hours. As a result it is barely digestible.
Sherralyn Rainey
Aug 21, 2018
Stunning. Ancient Rome with a modern twist. Absolutely engrossing and can’t wait to see part two. X
Sue Smith
Aug 10, 2018
A gripping tale well told. Plot lines easily understood without needing all the historical detail beforehand
george paizis
Aug 9, 2018
A historical drama with a few too many resonances to today — the impotence of the all-powerful senate, the power of manipulative promises and lies ... but are today’s masses as gullible as those of Rome?
Annie Mac
Aug 9, 2018
I spent an enjoyable evening watching this show. The acting was superlative. The intrigue and plots as relevant today as in Rome’s Golden Age. The pace was fast, ruthless and compulsive, and yet there are also many tender, comic scenes.
Chris Gregory
Jul 31, 2018
The show was so well produced and performed that it didn't seem long. I've already seen the 2nd part which was also well done.
David T.
Jul 31, 2018
A strong cast and strong script (better than the books imo) make this 3.5 hour evening an incredible delight rather than a marathon. I can't wait to see Part II tomorrow night!
Dave
Jul 26, 2018
We travelled from Anglesey to see our son and to watch this acclaimed play. Having read Harris's trilogy I was looking forward to this interpratition of the first instalment. Brilliant. Somehow I must endevour to attend the second instalment.
Sharron
Jul 26, 2018
I treated my two older sons to a double watch Wednesday. Consipirator being the first. The acting was really good, but the play just lost something along the way. I think the eyes just craved for a slight change in scenery, to relieve the continuous dialogue.
Simon Bass
Jul 26, 2018
A simple but impressive set with equally simple but effective scene changes, and neat lighting effects. So it becomes all about the acting and the creation of that time and space by the actors, which I thought was well done by pretty much all of them, the leads in particular. Occasionally The younger characters seemed a bit modern, particularly the ‘mob’, but Caesar, Cassius, Cicero, his wife and the narrator his slave were riveting. Quite a few unexpected laughs too with reference to world politics now. Long, but worth it. Looking forward to Part II!
Duncan Ross
Jul 24, 2018
Excellent One of the best theatre experiences in a long while
India
Jul 20, 2018
The actors had impressive projected voices and very good costumes. I though more imaginative use could be made of the stages, sometimes there was little movement. Very dramatic plotline but I'm not sure its entirely historically accurate.
Bjorn
Jul 20, 2018
Great story, great acting. Nice adaptation from the books. Can’t wait to catch the second half tonight.
susanne ludgate
Jul 19, 2018
Fantastic production...great story, amazing dialogue /script, wonderful acting, set terrific
Angela Goodwin
Jul 19, 2018
Totally absorbing and relevant to today
Cliff Jenkins
Jul 19, 2018
Once settled in, it was very entertaining with a few light hearted moments thrown in and we'll received. Excellent all round,
Jack Dalton
Jul 19, 2018
Imperium I: Conspirator is a phenomenally well directed, acted and produced piece of theatre; using a mix of comedy and well-timed exposition to engage the audience in this political thriller. I made a mistake in not booking Part 2 straight away!
Jordan
Jul 8, 2018
As a self confessed politico i booked our tickets for Imperium knowing a little about the history of Rome - but this show truly brought it to life. It was incredibly well-staged, brilliantly acted and dusted with subconscious contemporary references. All round a great show.
Hanna Singer
Jul 5, 2018
How wonderful to watch a leading national theatre company at the top of its game. This production excels in all departments. Acting, direction , costumes sets etc. providing a seamless and enthralling spectacle. Never mind the length - feel the quality! And the diction! How refreshing to hear every word clearly articulated. A rare occurence these days. I'm looking forward to Part II.
Lesley
Jul 5, 2018
When I saw how long the play was going to be, I wondered whether I had the stamina for over three hours but I needn’t have worried. It was uttering gripping from start to finish. The acting was superb and the set simple but effective. I loved the costumes too, which conveyed the characters of all the players colourfully and dramatically. An excellent production all round.
Jules
Jul 5, 2018
I am only starting reading the Robert Harris trilogy, but this production blew me away (I'm still going to read the books!). Acting, staging fantastic, really whittling down the essentials of plot and character. Totally believable and engaging. Especially loved the comparison of Pompey with Trump = self-obsessed bully boys with a hair problem. I loved the menacing music by way of introduction of what was to follow. A triumph.
Richard
Jul 5, 2018
This play has taken Robert Harris's great books and brought them to life on the stage. The acting is outstanding but this is also so contemporary. It resounds with echoes of modern politics and also shows us that politics don't change -although hopefully they are slightly less violent.
mike kirby
Jul 1, 2018
slow to start but builds tension throughout the 3 acts, culminating in a gripping, even surprising, conclusion
Siobhán G
Jul 1, 2018
A witty and thrilling portrayal of the sunset years of the Roman Republic.
laura
Jun 28, 2018
Despite, its length I was riveted throughout.
Emarbee
Jun 24, 2018
Brilliant staging with only one set. Characters come in from all sides, bringing with them news of victories on the field, on the hustings, all told through one man - the slave/secretary of Cicero. The action never flags. The actors wear authentic Roman dress, thank God. Robert Harris's book is compellingly brought to life .
Marta Strammiello
Jun 24, 2018
ud theatre is a lovely, cosy and old fashioned theatre. We thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience!
Tricia
Jun 17, 2018
The performance was excellent! I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to seeing Part 2 in July.
Tricia
Jun 17, 2018
The performance was excellent! I thoroughly enjoyed it and am looking forward to seeing Part 2 in July.
Lee Magnus
Jun 17, 2018
I had read the first in the trilogy Cicero books by Robert Harris. The book was hard to put down. So I thought the play would captivate me too, I wasn't disappointed! Great production, superb acting. I like the narration by Tiro interspersed with humour. The dialogue was very relevant to our times and Pompey had a very strange similarity to the leader of the free world both in hair and hand gestures. The only reason for 4 stars is due to the epic length, 3 hours excluding intervals. Towards the end attention tended to waiver. However, I've booked tickets for Imperium II.
Rob Francis
Jun 17, 2018
This drama manages to convey the internal political battles of the Roman republic, with intelligence and humour. The central character Cicero both fascinates and provides the unifying themes of personal ambition and citizenship. The depiction of Rome, is credible and the acting superb.