“We are the only love gods”
This February, the RSC welcomes Shakespeare back to the Royal Shakespeare Theatre with a brand new production of Much Ado About Nothing, one of his best-loved romantic comedies.
In a futuristic world, two very different couples fall in love – but who is really pulling the strings? With dastardly plots, hilarious slapstick and some of Shakespeare’s wittiest dialogue, this story of matchmaking and manipulation is the perfect way to celebrate the joy of live theatre.
Actors, director, set design and music
Michael Balogun and Akiya Henry will take up the roles of sparring lovers Benedick and Beatrice, and the production will be directed by Roy Alexander Weise, award-winning Director and joint Artistic Director of the Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre. He will make his RSC debut following productions at The National Theatre, The Bush Theatre, Bristol, Tobacco Factory, Theatre503, The Arcola, The Young Vic, Finborough and in the West End.
With a set designed by the award-winning Jemima Robinson, the production also features costume designs by Melissa Simon-Hartman, who has designed for Beyoncé and Notting Hill Carnival, and an original score by Nigerian-born British guitarist and MOBO award-nominated musician Femi Temowo, whose past collaborators include Amy Winehouse and The Roots.
Two chilled performances
For this production, the RSC will be hosting two chilled performances, one of which will also be audio described and captioned. A chilled performance takes a more casual approach to theatre “rules”, but the performance itself is unchanged.
Audience members are free to make more noise, move around more during the show, and to come and go freely in and out of the auditorium. The aim of this is to provide a more comfortable experience for anyone who might find going to the theatre stressful or restricting. This performance is for everyone and babes in arms are welcome.
Booking
Chilled performance dates:
- Saturday 26 February 2022, 1:15pm – Audio Described, Captioned and Chilled
- Thursday 10 March 2022, 1:15pm – Chilled
