Details

Self-denial is in fashion at the court of Navarre where the young king and three of his courtiers solemnly forswear all pleasures in favour of serious study. But when the Princess of France and her entourage arrive, it isn't long before the all-male ?academe' have broken every one of their self-imposed rules. Shakespeare's boisterous send-up of all those who try to turn their back on life is a dazzling parade of every weapon in the youthful playwright's arsenal, from excruciating cross-purposes and impersonations to drunkenness and bust-ups. It's a banquet of language, groaning with puns, rhymes and grotesque coinages.

Cast/Performers

Christopher Godwin (Don Armado), Adrian Schiller (Berowne), Rebecca Johnson (Rosaline), Rebecca Callard (Maria), Lottie Mayor (Katherine), Candida Benson (Princess of France), Benedict Cumberbatch (King Navarre), Gideon Turner, Daniel Crowder, Martin Turner, Philip York, John Conroy, Mark Roper, Tim Kightley, Paul Kemp, Richard Frame, Howard Ellis

Creatives/Company

Author: Shakespeare
Company: New Shakespeare Company
Director: Rachel Kavanaugh
Design: Kit Surrey
Music: Terry Davies
Choreographer: Linda Dobell
Lighting: Jason Taylor
Sound: Simon Whitehorn