Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing description

Jamie Lloyd has brought Shakespeare’s famous battle of the sexes back to fiery life, just as much fun as ever. Don’t miss Much Ado About Nothing, with the brilliant Tom Hiddleston as Benedick and the just as brilliant Hayley Atwell as Beatrice.

Jamie Lloyd directs this new production, described as ‘landmark’, and Soutra Gilmour is responsible for the design. Stars of the screen, TV and stage Tom Hiddleston (Loki, The Night Manager) and Hayley Atwell (Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Rosmersholm) bring extra sparkle to this popular Shakespeare favourite.

Hayley Atwell has a varied and impressive screen CV. 2009’s Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge, directed by Lindsay Posner, saw her nominated for an Olivier. She has also appeared in The Faith Machine at the Royal Court, The Pride at Trafalgar Studios, Dry Powder, and Josie Rourke’s unique version of Measure for Measure. In 2019 she starred in the West End big-hitter Rosmersholm.

Tom Hiddleston’s screen credits include Loki in Marvel’s Thor, The Avengers, Avengers: Endgame, Early Man, Kong: Skull Island, War Horse and Muppets Most Wanted. On stage his role in Betrayal led to a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play, and an Evening Standard Theatre Award nominee for Best Actor. He has appeared in Hamlet and in Coriolanus at the Donmar Warehouse, an Evening Standard Theatre Award winner for Best Actor. He’s been in Othello and in Cymbeline, a role that won him the Olivier for Best Newcomer.

A twisty-turny plot

When war-weary soldiers arrive at Leonato’s place, Claudio falls in love with Hero. Benedick and Beatrice are busy bantering, both masters of witty insults. Someone decides to make Beatrice and Benedick fall in love and stop arguing. Beatrice and Benedick fall in love but keep it a secret.

Don John decides to meddle, making his companion Borachio seduce Hero’s servant while he and Claudio watch. Claudio is furious. The fun goes on as misunderstanding follows misunderstanding and confusion reigns. Will they sort themselves out? And will love survive the chaos they’ve created?

This fiercely funny rom-com is bound to sell fast, so grab tickets while you can.

Playing at Theatre Royal Drury Lane (venue info)

Performance Times for Much Ado About Nothing