Royal Shakespeare Company announces cast for Much Ado About Nothing

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has announced casting for its new production of Much Ado About Nothing.

Directed by Roy Alexander Weise, the show will run in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from 4 February to 12 March 2022, with press night on Tuesday 15 February 2022.

Joining Michael Balogun and Akiya Henry, who will play Benedick and Beatrice, are Toyin Ayedun-Alase (Verges), Micah Balfour (Don John), Rebecca Banatvala (Seacole), Michael Bartelle (Sexton), Mensah Bediako (Antonio), Christelle Elwin (Messenger), DK Fashola (Friar), Kevin N Golding (Leonato) and Karen Henthorn (Dogberry).

They’re joined by Aruna Jalloh (Oatcake), Sapphire Joy (Margaret), Curtis Kemlo (Borachio), Denver-Isaac Kwashe (Conrade), Mohammed Mansaray (Claudio), Taya Ming (Hero), Ann Ogbomo (Don Pedra), Luke Wilson (Balthasar) and Adeola Yemitan (Ursula).

“We are the only love gods”

In an imagined futuristic world, two very different couples fall in love – but who is really pulling the strings?

The new production has set design by Jemima Robinson, lighting design by Azusa Ono, sound design by Claire Windsor, dramaturgy by Anthony Simpson-Pike and movement direction by DK Fashola and costume design is by Melissa Simon-Hartman. The production will also feature an original score by Nigerian-born British guitarist and MOBO award-nominated musician Femi Temowo.

Much Ado About Nothing runs at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre from 4 February – 12 March 2022 with tickets on sale here.

About the author: Josh Darvill

Josh is Stageberry's editor with over five years of experience writing about theatre in the West End and across the UK. Prior to following his passion for musicals, he worked for more than a decade as a TV journalist.