Much Ado About Nothing

The Royal Shakespeare Company present Shakespeare's comedy A Much Ado About Nothing.

A lively showdown between the sexes unfolds in Shakespeare's farcical comedy. Beatrice, independent and forthright and Benedick, a self-confessed 'woman-hater', pass their time constantly goading and scorning each other. When they are thrown together to defend a friend's and family's honour, their true feelings begin to be revealed.

A Much Ado About Nothing is directed by Marianne Elliot with designs by Lez Brotherston and the cast features Tamsin Greig as 'Beatrice' along with Joseph Millson as 'Benedick'.

This production comes into London following a season at the RSC's base in Stratford.

"Marianne Elliot's exuberant new production of A Much Ado About Nothing" The Independent

"It helps that Marianne Elliot has set the play not in uptight, gossipy Messina but in languorous pre-revolutionary Cuba. THe days are long and hot. The music is sexy salsa, the choreography is sensuous and rousing... In this atmosphere of pent-up desire, there is also room for comedy and pathos. Tamsin Greig is not just a comedienne but a sensitive and intuitive actress and an accomplished dancer. Her knife-sharp Beatrice combined with Joseph Millson's unshaven, floppy Benedick make for a brilliant, teasing and mocking double-act." The Sunday Telegraph

"As fresh and funny and touching a production of Much Ado About Nothing as it has ever been my pleasure to witness. Marianne Elliott comes up with a show that is bursting with life, wit and human feeling. Brilliant comic ingenuity" The Daily Telegraph

"It's wonderful to see a version of Much Ado About Nothing that has the audience not just chuckling politely, but actually squirming in their seats with laughter... Marianne Elliott's superlative new Royal Shakespeare Company production really is a hilarious portrayal of human folly, a top-notch character comedy about the lovable absurdity of lovers.. Tasmin Greig plays Beatrice to perfection... Joseph Millson, as Benedict, is a fine match for Grieg: perky, slightly irritating, vain and funny." The Sunday Times

"A perfect balance of the sweet and the spicy. Seriously seductive. Tasmin Greig and Joseph Milson make a sizzling pairing" The Times

"Marianne Elliott's vivid, vibrant, clear account of this witty and wise play gets everything right. She set it in Cuba in the Fifties, a sensual, seductive, sultry brew of cigar smoke, salsa and cicadas... [Tamsin Greig is a] superb, wise-cracking Beatrice... [Joseph Millson is a] dishy, dashing Benedict... Played out so well, the production is a total delight." The Mail on Sunday

The Royal Shakespeare Company's London Season:
Much Ado About Nothing: 7 December 2006 to 6 January 2007
Antony and Cleopatra: 11 January to 17 February 2007
The Tempest: 22 February to 24 March 2007