Stafford Shakespeare's highly-anticipated production of Richard III will open this Tuesday (23 June) at the Gatehouse Theatre.

Over 3,000 tickets have already been sold for the show which has not been performed in Stafford for over 25 years.

Star of Netflix's Lady Chatterley's Lover, Matthew Duckett, will be taking on the titular role of the treacherous and callous king.

Director Richard Cheshire and set designer Patrick Connellan, the creative duo behind last year's Hamlet, have broken from tradition with the production being set in the 1920s gangland world of Peaky Blinders.

The Gatehouse said: "The action unfolds around a bombed-out post-war pub where ruthless characters wrestle for England's crown.

"This high-stakes setting follows royal mayhem and murder through a brutal, Mafia-esque family dynamic."

Audiences can look forward to seeing the largest stage set ever built at The Gatehouse as well as thrilling fight choreography.

Matthew Duckett said: "I'm very excited to be taking on this role – it's one I've been wanting to tackle fully for a very long time".

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"He wins people round with charm and wit, but equally there's a very dark side to him too."

However, Matthew is not the only celebrity to be treading the boards this season, as he will be joined by veteran actor Sean O'Callaghan (House of Guinness) who will be playing King Edward, Queen Margaret, and Lord Stanley.

Benedict Shaw, who wowed audiences as Hamlet in 2025, will be returning as The Duke of Clarence.

In addition, six talented members of the young company will be stepping into the roles of the doomed Princes in the Tower.

Theatre Manager Gary Stevens said: "We've seen a preview and it is stunning; packed with action, plot twists and incredible performances.

'It's been more than 12 months in planning and we're very excited to share the results with the people of Stafford and beyond.'

The show will run from Tuesday 23 June – Saturday 4 July 2026 with no performances on Sundays.

Tickets can be booked by clicking here or by calling the box office on 01785 619080.

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Richard III Afternoon Tea tickets can be booked here.