First look: Much Ado About Nothing at Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Productions photos from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)’s new production of Much Ado About Nothing have been revealed.

Directed by Roy Alexander Weise, the piece is currently running at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre until 12 March 2022.

The company comprises Toyin Ayedun-Alase (Verges), Micah Balfour (Don John), Rebecca Banatvala (Seacole), Michael Joel Bartelle (Sexton), Mensah Bediako (Antonio), Christelle Elwin (Messenger), DK Fashola (Friar), Kevin N Golding (Leonato), Akiya Henry (Beatrice), Karen Henthorn (Dogberry), Aruna Jalloh (Oatcake), Sapphire Joy (Margaret), Curtis Kemlo (Borachio), Enoch Lwanga (Understudy), Mohammed Mansaray (Claudio), Taya Ming (Hero), Miles Mitchell (Conrade), Ann Ogbomo (Don Pedra), Nicole Sawyer (Understudy), Khai Shaw (Balthasar), Luke Wilson (Benedick) and Adeola Yemitan (Ursula).

Much Ado About Nothing production images_ 2022_2022
Much Ado About Nothing (L-R) Luke Wilson, Micah Balfour, Mohammed Mansaray. Photo by Ikin Yum (c) RSC
Much Ado About Nothing  (l-R) Aruna Jalloh, Adeola. Photo by Ikin Yum (c) RSCYemitan
Much Ado About Nothing (l-R) Aruna Jalloh, Adeola. Photo by Ikin Yum (c) RSCYemitan
Much Ado About Nothing: Akiya Henry. Photo by Ikin Yum (c) RSC
Much Ado About Nothing: Akiya Henry. Photo by Ikin Yum (c) RSC
Much Ado About Nothing: Luke Wilson. Photo by Ikin Yum (c) RSC
Much Ado About Nothing: Luke Wilson. Photo by Ikin Yum (c) RSC

The production has Set Design by Jemima Robinson, Lighting Design by Azusa Ono, Sound Design by Claire Windsor, Movement by DK Fashola and Dramaturgy by Anthony Simpson-Pike. Costume Design is by Melissa Simon-Hartman, a London-based artist, couture fashion designer and owner of Simon-Hartman London, whose West African and West Indian inspired designs recently featured in a powerful catalogue of music videos including ‘Mood 4 Eva’ and ‘My Power’ as part of Beyonce’s 2020 visual album: Black Is King.

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The production also features an original score by Nigerian-born British guitarist and MOBO award-nominated musician Femi Temowo whose past collaborators include Amy Winehouse, Dee Dee Bridgewater, The Roots and Soweto Kinch.

For more information and tickets, visit rsc.org.uk/much-ado-about-nothing

Much Ado About Nothing: Taya Ming. Photo by Ikin Yum (c) RSC
Much Ado About Nothing: Taya Ming. Photo by Ikin Yum (c) RSC
Much Ado About Nothing: Luke Wilson. Photo by Ikin Yum (c) RSC
Much Ado About Nothing: Luke Wilson. Photo by Ikin Yum (c) RSC
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.