TO run or not to run, that is the question.
But fortunately for the Octagon Theatre, David Ricardo-Pearce — unlike Shakespeare’s tragic hero Hamlet, who he will depict in the theatre’s next production — doesn’t have to think too long and hard about the answer.
He will putting on his running shoes to run the London Marathon to raise money for the theatre’s multi-million pound redevelopment.
The actor is coming straight from the West End to return to the Octagon Theatre and play Hamlet in David Thacker’s new production of the Bard’s play.
And as well as learning lines and rehearsing with the rest of the cast, David will also be taking on additional role of training for the London Marathon, which he is due to run in April for the Octagon Reimagined redevelopment project.
As the Octagon reaches its milestone 50th anniversary, the building is no longer big enough or modern enough to withstand the next five decades.
The Octagon Reimagined project aims to make sure that the theatre is fully accessible for all its audience members, actors, and staff, ensuring improved experience for theatre-goers as well as on stage and for the community.
It will be the most comprehensive redevelopment in the theatre’s history, and is going to ensure, say theatre bosses, the Octagon’s future for generations to come.
David said: “I am so excited to be running the London Marathon again, it is such a wonderful event and it is even more exciting to be running under the Octagon banner.
“The Octagon is such an amazing theatre and I am thrilled to be part of its 50th anniversary and to help support them to continue their great work for another 50 years to come.”
David has recently performed the title role in the Old Vic’s production of The Lorax, and also starred as Oberon and Theseus in the Barbican international tour of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
He also starred as the lead role in Alfie in 2012 and as Romeo in Romeo and Juliet in 2011, both at the Octagon Theatre.
He will also be raising the money for the Alzheimer’s Society when he runs the marathon.
To support the Octagon’s plans for redevelopment and find out more about the plans, visit octagonbolton.co.uk/reimagined
To donate to support David’s marathon run, visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ricardo-pearce
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