Timon of Athens

 It is a part of The World Shakespeare Festival, which is a celebration of Shakespeare as the world's playwright, produced by the Royal Shakespeare Company in an unprecedented collaboration with leading UK and international arts organizations, and with Globe to Globe, a major international program produced Shakespeare's Globe. It opens on Shakespeare's birthday, 23 April.
Wealthy friend to the rich and powerful, patron of the arts, ostentatious host, Timon of Athens showers gifts and hospitality on the city’s elite. He vastly outspends his resources but, finding his coffers empty, reassures his loyal steward that all will be well.
When he calls upon his erstwhile associates, instead of offering help, they hang him out to dry. After a final, vengeful banquet, Timon withdraws to a literal and emotional wasteland, living off roots and pouring ever more surreal curses on a morally bankrupt Athens.
Simon Russell Beale takes the title role in Shakespeare’s strange fable of conspicuous consumption, debt and ruin, written in collaboration with Thomas Middleton. The production will be on stage from 10 July.