Julius Caesar, 2025
“It must be by his death…”
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE’S
Julius caesar
Julius Caesar has become a tyrant.
Cassius sees the threat. Brutus is torn by loyalty. Together, they conspire to kill Caesar.
When Cassius and Brutus murder Caesar in full public view on the Ides of March, they think they have heralded a new political age.
Instead, chaos erupts, and civil war begins.
Who will seize power?
Will this bring conflict or stability?
Will the new ruler also fall to corruption?
Tangle’s fast-moving production drives through the political chaos, power struggles and friendship betrayals at the heart of Shakespeare’s greatest thriller.
Adapted and directed by Anna Coombs with John Pfumojena’s original music, this high-energy production brings African-inspired storytelling into the heart of ancient Rome.
Presented with support from Mayflower Studios
Julius Caesar continues Tangle’s long-term commitment to championing African and Caribbean artistic excellence, presenting classic plays in new and surprising ways to audiences of all kinds.
Artwork photography by Christa Holka.
“A provocative and beautiful celebration of culture through the decolonization and reimagining of Julius Caesar”
★★★★★ A Young(ish) Perspective
“Splendid adaptation could not be more accessible - nor more timely.”
★★★★ Broadway World
“Cleverly reimagined, well crafted, and pulsing with style.”
★★★★ Spy in the Stalls
“This abbreviated Shakespearean work perfectly captures the original work, while also encapsulating African-inspired elements.”
★★★★ ½ The Reviews Hub
“Striking and innovative, shining a different light on the themes of power, loyalty and deception.”
★★★★ Afridiziak
“If you enjoy brilliant performances, Shakespeare’s prose, political thrillers, and a condensed imagining of his most political play, then this is the show for you.”
★★★★ Theatre and Tonic
“I’m giving this four stars for its ambition, imagination, and interpretation.” ★★★★ Lou Reviews
“This project has the self-awareness to let the narrative breathe and allowed me to choose my own interpretations. Impressive work.”
★★★★ Plays International
“With music, movement and powerful performances, this adaptation offers a fresh perspective of a classic.” ★★★★ Rachel Reviewed
“A tremendous stab at doing something new with a play that the best directors of every generation have tried to adapt to their purposes” London Pub Theatres
“Visually compelling and highly atmospheric.”
Order the Playtext
Adapted for just 5 performers this new version is perfect for use in education settings.
The playtext includes an introduction by the adaptor (Anna Coombs), production photos and information on the world premiere production and tour of 2025.
Price: £11 (UK postage included)
For bulk orders / delivery outside UK please contact Tangle directly: dpa@tangletheatre.co.uk
UK TOUR 2025:
Mayflower Studios, Southampton
Thu 9 – Sat 11 October
19:15 & 14:30 (Sat)
Lighthouse, Poole
Thu 16 October
20:00
Bridport Arts Centre
Fri 17 October
19:30
Croscombe Village Hall
(Take Art Rural Touring)
Sat 18 October
19:30
Taunton Brewhouse
Tue 21 October
19:30
Braunton Academy
(Beaford Arts Rural Touring)
Wed 22 October
The Exchange, Sturminster Newton
(Artsreach Rural Touring)
Fri 24 October
19:30
The Pound, Corsham
Sat 25 October
19:30
Omnibus Theatre, London
Wed 29 October – Sat 15 November
19:30 (Tue - Fri) & 16:00 (Sat - Sun)
CAST
Samya De Meo and Roland Royal III marked their professional stage debuts as Cassius/Portia/Calpurnia and Julius Caesar/Octavius Caesar respectively, alongside Remiel Farai as Brutus, Yaw Osafo-Kantanka as Soothsayer, and John Pfumojena (who also composed the original music for the production) as well as Samater Ahmed as Mark Antony.
PRODUCTION TEAM
CREATIVES
Adapted and directed by Anna Coombs
Technical Consultant Mark Dakin
Set & Costume Designer Colin Falconer
Production Manager Jordan Harris
Lighting Designer Joe Hornsby
Company Stage Manager Maja Lach
Sound Designer Khalil Madovi
Costume Associate Linda Mafuba
Composer, Musical Director & African Storytelling Consultant John Pfumojena*
Technical Stage Manager Atlanta Sonson-Chapman
Choreographer Bawren Tavaziva
*All rights on behalf of WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC LTD administered by WC Music Corp.
COMPANY & COLLABORATORS
Marketing & Producing Consultants Debo Adebayo & Thomas Kell
Associate Producer Esther Afikiruweh
Associate Producer (until July, 2025) Stefan Kwame Boakye
Photographers Christa Holka & Stuart Martin
Graphic Design Luke Kelly Airborne Studio
Marketing & Communications Manager Natalia Knowlton Vásquez
Filmmakers Pip Films
PR Manager Nancy Poole
Producer Kirsty Reilly
PRODUCTION IMAGES
Photo credit: Stuart Martin
Rehearsal Images
Photo credit: Christa Holka
DISCOVERY PACKS
Accompanying the production, Tangle created beautifully illustrated Discovery Packs for schools, teachers, Youth Groups and young people in general.
The packs feature an introduction to the play and its themes; learning and activity suggestions for educators and workshop leaders; a look into Tangle’s unique approach to theatre making; and interviews with the director, Anna Coombs.
You can follow the links to download and share the pack with your audiences, local schools and youth groups.
KUKURA
KUKURA is an inclusivity development programme that we offer to our touring venues for JULIUS CAESAR in 2025. It enables organisations to take meaningful steps to support their approach to racial inclusivity.
KUKURA actualises genuine long-term change within the arts industry, improving approaches to representation and inclusivity.
KUKURA enables venue professionals an opportunity to experience new ways of working with a diverse theatre company such as TANGLE. The sessions build a fresh learning culture within each organisation, leaving everybody better equipped to champion and broaden engagement long term.
Find out more here.
