Cast Announced For RSC’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

“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 cast has been announced for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) new production of Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Roy Alexander Rise.

Michael Balogun and Akiya Henry will play leads Benedick and Beatrice. They will be joined by 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), Karen Henthorn (Dogberry), 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).

Set design will be done by Jemima Robinson, and lighting design will be done by Azusa Ono. Claire Windsor will do sound design, Anthony Simpson-Pike will do dramaturgy and DK Fashola will do movement direction. 

Joining the creative team will be costume designer Melissa Simon-Hartman, couture fashion designer and owner of Simon-Hartman London. Simon-Hartman’s designs have recently appeared in videos as part of Beyonce’s 2020 visual album Black Is King.

The show will also have an original score by MOBO award-nominated musician Femi Temowo, who has previously worked with Amy Winehouse, Dee Dee Bridgewater, The Roots and Soweto Kinch.

This futuristic production of one of Shakespeare’s most loved romantic comedies will run from 4 February to 12 March 2022 at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

Tickets for Much Ado About Nothing can currently be purchased here.

Words by Isobel Pankhurst

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