FROM West Philadelphia born and raised... to the Bodleian’s historic halls.

Many people will recognise this King Lear from his role as Geoffrey on 90s TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

Joseph Marcell is playing the titular character in Shakespeare’s “greatest tragedy” which is being performed in the Library Quad.

The Bard’s play is being put on by the award-winning Globe Theatre, with the first show having begun on Tuesday, and running until Sunday, August 3.

Mr Marcell said: “The Bodleian Library is a stunning setting to perform in and I’m thoroughly enjoying being here in Oxford. Our production is a funny, physical telling of King Lear, do come and see it if you can.”

Mr Marcell has been seen in many works for Shakespeare’s Globe including Much Ado About Nothing and Coriolanus.

The tale tells of old King Lear who, weary of royal duties, proposes to break up his kingdom and divide it among his three daughters. But this generosity is cruelly repaid, and Lear discovers too late the false values by which he has lived.

Tickets for King Lear at Oxford Playhouse are £20 or £22 and are available by calling 01865 305305 or online

Our top stories