8 January 2011
David Tennant and Catherine Tate Reunited in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing
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| David Tennant and Catherine Tate make the announcement on BBC News, Saturday 8 January 2011 |
They will take on the lead roles of Beatrice and Benedict, the fractious pair who have to be secretly persuaded (without the knowledge of the other) by their friends that they are actually perfect for each other. It is a light but magical comedy, known as much for its word play (or more!) than for its plot - which by Shakespearian standards is rather fluffy.
The roles could almost have been written for the pair. Beatrice and Benedict are fast talking, quick witted, combative and more than happy to swap insults. In some ways the roles are an extension of their previous ones as Donna and the Doctor in the hit TV show. Fans of both will not be disappointed, I am sure, because the roles give both on them ample material in to which to sink their acting chops.
The play was not performed after Shakespeare's time a great deal because, to put it simply, the character of Beatrice was considered unlikable and rather too clever for her own good to be frank. However Much Ado About Nothing experienced something of a renaissance in the twentieth century, with Beatrice's character revived to reflect the sexual equality (and struggle for it) of the times.
Benedict is perfect for Tennant. Clever, wry and questioning - he is also gullible enough as a character to be taken in by the match making of his friends.
The production will start on 16 May at the Wyndhams Theatre in London's West End. Tickets are on sale now so if you are in the vicinity of London in May, you had better start flexing that credit card soon.
Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare's funniest comedies. Benedick and Beatrice are engaged in a "merry war"; they both talk a mile a minute and proclaim their scorn for love, marriage, and each other. In contrast, Claudio and Hero are sweet young people who are rendered practically speechless by their love for one another. By means of "noting" (which sounds the same as "nothing," and which is gossip, rumour, and overhearing), Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into confessing their love for each other, and Claudio is tricked into rejecting Hero at the altar.
However, Dogberry, a Constable who is a master of malapropisms, discovers—unbeknownst to himself—the evil trickery of the villain, the bastard Don John. In the end, Don John is captured and everyone else joins in a dance celebrating the marriages of the two couples.
You can find the BBC news channel here. Plus you can buy tickets for Much Ado About Nothing starring David Tennant and Catherine Tate HERE. I have tried a few sites this morning and this seems to be the one that knows what it is doing (though don't shout at me if I am wrong and you have to do a google search!). You can book online there or by phone on 0844 482 5120.
Ticket Prices
Not cheap!
Previews: £56, £46, £36, £21, £16
Main Run: £61, £51, £41, £26, £16
All prices include a £1 theatre restoration levy.
