Imperium II: Dictator
Imperium II: Dictator
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 event – you are currently booking for Imperium – II: Dictator. Click here to book Imperium – I: Conspirator.
- Duration
3 hours 20 minutes including two intervals
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
- Requesting a Refund
No refunds 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
More successful than the rather unconvincing first part with outstanding lead performances and clever staging. Lasts 3 1/2 hours with 2 15 minute intervals but it doesn't drag and always kept me engaged. Both parts work well in their own right but seeing them in the same day works even better. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable experience
Marta
Aug 31, 2018
This follow up from Imperium was most enjoyable. I highly recommend it!
Caro Strob
Aug 30, 2018
High politics, history, war, humour, violence and a hint of sex what more could anyone want. Each and every actor was amazing and gave a stunning performance. We loved the Imperium plays so much we have seen part I and II twice, that says it all really.
Patrick
Aug 30, 2018
Upholding the expected standards of the RSC this production is impressively mounted and superbly played.
MICHAEL CHISHOLM
Aug 30, 2018
WORLD CLASS ACTING AND DESIGN. A SPECIAL NOTE OF EXCELLENCE GOES TO NICHOLAS ARMFIELD WHO PLAYED CLODIUS IN PART ONE AND AGRIPPA PART TWO..HE HAS GREAT STAGE PRESENCE AND AN ACTOR TO WATCH... BUT OF COURSE ITS RICHARD McCABE AS CICEREO IS THE STAR.
Amanda
Aug 14, 2018
We saw the first and second show and loved them both...
Lesley Cox
Aug 13, 2018
We really enjoyed both parts of Imperium. They were faithful to the spirit of the books, with added humour! There was such energy and verve and not a single weak link in the cast. The main characters were amazing. What a tour de force! Well done, everyone.
Kathy OToole
Aug 11, 2018
We enjoyed the performance very much.
Mobes
Aug 4, 2018
Amateur - bad version of the Life of Brian - actors shouting - left after first Act
Malcolm
Aug 1, 2018
hugely enjoyable but needs to decide as a production when to be serious as to enormity of events in demise of the Late republic and sinister rise of Dictator and then Octavian,and when to be flippant and comedic, sometime the timing of flippant interjections were unfortunate and detracted from the impact and severity of the collapse of democracy, also the senators didnt look like senators of the elite ,they looked like scuffy market traders!
Alison
Jul 29, 2018
Acting magnificent, set stunning and I have mobility issues and theatre staff were excellent
S. Edwards
Jul 29, 2018
I'm not sure there was a need for the panto elements, which detracted from the serious storyline and spoilt the feel of the play. While some jokes fitted the story, others were just annoying. The comedic use of a speech impediment by female actor was particularly pointless. I couldn't easily concentrate on the content of her speech as I was waiting for her to say 'welease Bwian'!
Sharron
Jul 26, 2018
Easier to concentrate on this one, much faster pace but still lacked the "wow, amazing" factor. Acting was still very good (they must have been shattered doing two in one day) but it cried out for a change in scenery at times, nothing major, just to help concentration.
India
Jul 25, 2018
I enjoyed Part II more than Part I. Part I had less plot movement with more static performances. There was more creative stage use in Part II and the psychology of the characters (with Octavian) felt more morally complex and interesting. The very final speech was my favorite part of the entire imperium, evoking real pathos for Cicero.
Graham White
Jul 11, 2018
Terrific acting from a wonderful cast, great set and production. A gripping portrayal of the end of the Roman republic. It got better and better.
Jules
Jul 5, 2018
Half-way through reading the novels, I felt we had to see this play. The acting and interpretation were visceral - true to the books, but injected with an energy and visual language that was extraordinary. All the actors were brilliant - engaging and repulsive, depending on context. The murder of Caesar was brilliantly staged, as were the consequences. A magnificent take on the death of a republic. We should learn from it.