'If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and there’s no truth in us.'

— Act I, Scene 1

Doctor Faustus is Christopher Marlowe's most renowned and controversial work. Famous for being the first dramatised version of the Faustus tale, the play depicts the sinister aftermath of Faustus's decision to sell his soul to the Devil's henchman in exchange for power and knowledge. In the first-ever staging of this menacing drama at the Globe Theatre, Matthew Dunster's production features Paul Hilton (The Inheritance, Young Vic) as the arrogant, power-hungry Faustus and Arthur Darvill (Broadchurch, Doctor Who) as the sardonic Mephistopheles, and includes several impressive magical stunts along the way.

Synopsis

Doctor Faustus, restless for knowledge, forsakes scholarship for magic and makes a pact with the Devil: if the evil spirit Mephistopheles will serve him for 24 years, Faustus will yield his soul to the Devil after death. It isn’t long before Faustus has doubts about the bargain, but Mephistopheles has plenty of entertainment at hand to distract Faustus from the terrifying reality of his position and the prospect of its agonising conclusion.

Cast

Bad Angel:
Charlotte Broom

Duke, Frederick:
Michael Camp

Dick, First Scholar, Envy:
Richard Clews

Lucifer, Pope Adrian:
Nigel Cooke

Valdes, Pope Bruno, Carter:
Jonathan Cullen

Mephistopheles:
Arthur Darvill

Raymond, Old Man, Cornelius:
Robert Goodale

Dr Faustus:
Paul Hilton

Benvolio, Second Scholar:
Will Mannering

Helen, Pride:
Sarita Piotrowski

Robin, Alexander:
Pearce Quigley

Hostess, Lechery:
Iris Roberts

Good Angel:
Beatriz Romilly

Wagner, Emperor Charles, Wrath:
Felix Scott

Duchess, Sloth:
Jade Williams

Beelzebub, Martino:
Chinna Wodu

Creatives

Director:
Matthew Dunster

Puppet Director:
Steve Tiplady

Fight Director:
Kate Waters

Designer:
Paul Wills

Choreographer:
Georgina Lamb

Directed for the screen:
Ian Russell

Composer:
Jules Maxwell

Magic Consultant:
Richard Pinner