IN Shakespeare’s epic tragedy, an ageing tyrant’s decision to divide his kingdom tears his family apart, sparks catastrophic civil war and destroys all that he has.

Driven from his home, King Lear endures madness and great suffering as he battles a great storm. Yet with madness he finds reason, after betrayal he discovers loyalty and through his suffering a better world emerges.

This new production of King Lear is directed by Max Webster, associate director at the Old Vic, where he recently directed The Lorax. Other recent credits include Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare’s Globe and To Kill a Mocking Bird and Orlando at Manchester’s Royal Exchange.

In the lead role is Michael Pennington, who has played numerous roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company in a career spanning more than 50 years, and was co-founder of the English Shakespeare Company.

Recent notable performances have been as Edgar in Strindberg's The Dance of Death, at the Gate Theatre, John of Gaunt in Richard II (RSC), and as Anthony Blunt in Alan Bennett's Single Spies at the Rose Theatre Kingston. He played the role of Lear to great acclaim at the Shakespeare Center New York in 2014. This new production will see Michael play the role in the UK for the first time.

Michael is joined by a distinguished cast of 13 actors. Newly announced in the role of Goneril is Catherine Bailey and Sally Scott as Regan. They join Beth Cooke playing Cordelia and Pip Donaghy as Gloucester.

Director Max Webster said: “In the year that marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, it’s thrilling to be directing one of his greatest tragedies, and to be working with Michael who is one of the most respected Shakespearean actors of our time. I look forward to our talented cast bringing a gripping new interpretation to audiences across the UK.”

King Lear is at the Grand Opera House, York, from Monday, May 23 to Saturday, May 28. For tickets, phone 0844 8713024 or go to atgtickets.com/venues/grand-opera-house-york

The Gazette & Herald has a pair of tickets to giveaway for King Lear at the Grand Opera House, in York, on Monday, May 23.

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the following question and send your answer, along with your name, address and daytime phone number, to King Lear Competition, Gazette & Herald, 84-86 Walmgate, YO1 9YN, or email gazette@gazetteherald.co.uk, by Wednesday, April 27.

Question: Which actor is playing King Lear?

Usual Newsquest rules apply.