THE initial casting has been announced for Salisbury Playhouse’s production of Henrik Ibsen’s drama Hedda Gabler.

Adapted by Brian Friel, it runs in the main house from March 17 until April 2.

The title role will be played by Kirsty Bushell who recently appeared in The Barbican’s international tour of Antigone opposite Juliette Binoche and has performed in many productions for both the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre.

Jane Wymark, familiar to TV audiences as Joyce Barnaby in ITV’s Midsomer Murders, joins the cast as Juliana alongside Petra Markham, recently seen in Salisbury Playhouse’s Separate Tables, as Bertha.

Further casting is to be announced.

Newly married and returning from her honeymoon, the free-spirited Hedda already feels trapped by both her marriage and her life. Feeling captive in her own home and fighting against her conventional existence, she soon begins to manipulate those around her, with shocking consequences.

Henrik Ibsen’s plays include Ghosts, A Doll’s House and Peer Gynt. And Brian Friel was one of Ireland’s leading playwrights and his works included Faith Healer and Dancing at Lughnasa.

Hedda Gabler is directed by Salisbury Playhouse’s artistic director Gareth Machin.

For tickets or more information contact the ticket office on 01722 320333 or go to salisburyplayhouse.com