A new production from the Royal Shakespeare Company, titled Ben and Imo will tell the story of the creative relationship between composers Benjamin Britten and Imogen Holst, the daughter of Gustav Holst.

Set in 1953 in the run-up to Queen Elizabeth II's coronation, the play follows the composition of Britten’s new opera, Gloriana, about Elizabeth I. While Britten is battling with the tight nine-month deadline, he meets Imogen Holst, daughter of Gustav Holst and also a passionate composer who becomes one of Britten’s greatest supports.

Originally written to mark the centenary of Britten’s birth in 2013, playwright Mark Ravenhill’s play, broadcast on BBC Radio 3 has now been reworked for its stage debut, starring Samuel Barnett as Britten and Victoria Yeates as Holst.

Director Erica Whyman is also behind the RSC's acclaimed production of Hamnet, which has recently been transferred to the West End. Ben and Imo will run in the Swan Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon between 21 February and 6 April 2024