THE ROYAL Shakespeare Company is returning to the North-East from the Bard’s hometown to stage two of among his greatest plays.

The company based in Stratford-upon-Avon will be at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal this autumn with Henry IV Part I, Henry IV Part II and The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

The two history plays will be directed by RSC artistic director Gregory Doran, with a cast including Sir Antony Sher as Falstaff, Jasper Britton as Henry IV, Alex Hassell as Prince Hal and Paola Dionisitti as Mistress Quickly.

Mr Doran said: “Newcastle is a special place for the RSC, with audiences responding with genuine warmth to our visits.

“I have always enjoyed being in the city, most recently with my production of Julius Caesar in 2012.”

Antony Sher, Mr Doran’s long-term partner, has worked with the RSC for more than 30 years, playing a variety of roles including an award-winning performance as Richard III.

The production of the comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona will be directed by Simon Godwin, who will be making his RSC debut.

Theatre Royal chief executive Phillip Bernays said: “The Two Gentlemen of Verona is one of Shakespeare’s rarely performed comedies so this will be a special treat and I’m sure our audience will love it.”

The RSC season at Newcastle Theatre Royal runs from tomorrow (Thursday, September 25) to Saturday, October 11.

Ticket prices start from £13 and can be purchased from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 08448-11-21-21 or booked online at www.theatreroyal.co.uk.