Royal actors on way

By LINDA HERRICK

Four of Britain's most distinguished actors are coming to New Zealand next month to tour in a Royal Shakespeare Company production.

Dame Diana Rigg, Sir Derek Jacobi, Sir Donald Sinden and Ian Richardson will appear in John Barton's play The Hollow Crown, an account of the British monarchy through the ages. The production will tour Wellington, Christchurch and Auckland from April 16-27.

Rigg is probably best known for her role as Emma Peel in the 60s TV series The Avengers. Since then she has appeared in many London West End and New York Broadway productions .

Jacobi shot to international fame as the gibbering genius, Roman emperor Claudius, in the 70s landmark BBC series I Claudius. Since then he has worked extensively in theatre, television and film, including roles in Gladiator and the Oscar-nominated Gosford Park.

Richardson has made a long career out of playing wily manipulators in TV series but he's particularly renowned for his character Francis Urquhart in House of Cards and To Play the King.

Sinden's sonorous voice and versatility mean he has easily alternated between comedy and drama.

It will be the first time Rigg and Richardson have performed in New Zealand.