Dr Dee

Although largely unknown today, Doctor Dee was the quintessential Renaissance Man. From astrology to alchemy and physics to philosophy, his thirst for knowledge was insatiable and, as a key advisor to Elizabeth I, he is credited with providing much of the intelligence which shaped the British Empire under her rule.

Dee dabbled in the occult and, ultimately, this fascination destroyed him. Conned by a deranged medium, Dee's career ended in disgrace and sexual scandal. He died discredited and penniless.

This fascinating figure is bought to life by latter-day Renaissance man, composer and musician Damon Albarn, and director Rufus Norris. Albarn's music is an ingenious mix of pop vocals, much of which he will perform live on-stage, with contemporary orchestral music played on 16th-century period instruments. Rufus Norris's staging presents five centuries of English history and the three realms of earth, heaven and hell. Expect it all to be delivered with the virtuosic flair that has won Norris a raft of awards and five-star reviews in London and on Broadway.