The Old Vic Company, 1956-57

Jeremy Brett made his London stage debut with The Old Vic theatre company in 1956. The company toured England with its repertory of four Shakespearean plays, then traveled to Montreal and Toronto in Canada, and, finally, to Broadway -- with a three-month engagement at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City. The company traveled to other U.S. cities in early 1957, and the tour culminated with the Old Vic's -- and Jeremy's -- debut on U.S. television on March 4, 1957, in Romeo and Juliet. -- The Brettish Empire

The Old Vic today

Troilus and Cressida
Role: Patroclus and Troilus

Jeremy played Patroclus in his debut with The Old Vic. Later, he graduated to the title role of Troilus, opposite Rosemary Harris as Cressida (photo at right).

See more on the Troilus and Cressida page.

Richard II
Role: Duke of Aumerle

The Duke of Aumerle is the son to the Duke of York. He also is called "Rutland" late in the play, since he is the Earl of Rutland. He is a cousin to both King Richard II and his rival, Henry Bolingbroke. King Richard banishes Henry, who returns after several years and overthrows Richard. The duke remains loyal to King Richard throughout the war and is later involved in a failed scheme against Bolingbroke, who has become King Henry IV.

Jeremy played this role at the Library Theatre in Machester, 1954.

The Old Vic company gave 27 performances of Richard II at the Winter Garden Theatre from Oct 23, 1956, to Jan 12, 1957, according to the Internet Broadway Database.

New York Times reviewer Brooks Atkinson heaped praise upon Richard II, the first of the plays The Old Vic offered at the Winter Garden Theatre: 

The performance moves with silken grace from the stormy first scene down through the embroils of Richard's inadequate reign to the pathos of his departure. ... Since there are no formal stars in the Old Vic's cast, the dramatic proportions of the performance are nicely balanced. And the characters are not parts but human beings intimately associated in a fabulous story.

Wikipedia page // Full text and summary

Macbeth
Role: Malcolm

In The Old Vic production, Jeremy played Malcolm, the eldest son of Duncan, the King of Scotland. He reprised the role for a 1960 television production. And in a 1981 TV production, JB played Macbeth, the title character and a general in the army of King Duncan.

In Shakespeare's play, Lady Macbeth plots to have her husband kill King Duncan and take the throne. The plan succeeds, and Duncan's sons, Malcolm and Donalbain, flee. More blood is spilled as Macbeth tries to thwart prophecies of the three Witches. First he kills Banquo -- whose heirs would be contenders to his throne. Upon the warning to "beware Macduff," he has everyone at Macduff's castle killed, including Macduff's wife and children. 

Macduff and Malcolm, who both have been in exile, plot to invade Scotland and overthrow the tyrant Macbeth. After more bloodshed, Malcolm ascends to the throne as the rightful new King of Scotland.

The Old Vic company gave 25 performances of Macbeth at the Winter Garden Theatre from Oct 29, 1956, to Jan 12, 1957, according to the Internet Broadway Database.

New York Times reviewer Brooks Atkinson praised the production:

Under Michael Benthall's direction, this is a savage, dour, turbulent Macbeth that does not dwell on scenes but tells a headlong story boldly. ... This is a traditional production. And that is not intended here as adverse comment on what Mr. Benthall has accomplished. For the traditional approach is stimulating when the director is resourceful and the players gifted.

Wikipedia page about the play // Full text of the play

Romeo and Juliet
Role: Paris

In Shakespeare's famous tragedy about star-crossed lovers and feuding families, Count Paris is a member of the ruling house of Verona and desires to marry Juliet. He ultimately is killed by Romeo.

The Old Vic company gave 29 performances of Romeo and Juliet at the Winter Garden Theatre from Oct 24, 1956, to Jan 12, 1957, according to the Internet Broadway Database.

This production was filmed for television in the U.S., airing on NBC March 4, 1957. Claire Bloom played Juliet, pictured at right with Jeremy. John Neville played Romeo. 

Wikipedia page about the play // Summary and full text

IMDb page for the TV production