Cast announced for Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare's Globe

Beatriz Romilly and Matthew Needham return to The Globe this summer.

Casting has been announced for the Shakespeare's Globe's upcoming production of Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Matthew Dunster which runs at the outdoor venue from 14 July to 15 October 2017.

Set in revolutionary Mexico in 1910, the production stars Beatriz Romilly as Beatrice, Matthew Needham as Benedick, Anya Chalotra as Hero, Marcello Cruz as Claudio and Martin Marquez as Leonato alongside Doreene Blackstock, Ashley Campbell, Oliver Cudbill, Charlie de Melo, Jo Dockery, Ammara Niwaz, Sarah Seggari, Steve John Shepherd and Ewan Wardrop.

Shakespeare's classic tale of antagonistic romance and madcap humour explodes on to the Globe stage with a fusion of Latin music, desert flowers and revolutionary politics in this bold new production.

"Mexico, 1910. Claudio and Benedick return home from the first wave of the revolution. Claudio has been pining for his love, Hero. Benedick loves her cousin Beatrice and Beatrice Benedick; but because neither will admit it, nothing seems likely to bring them together. Only the intrigues of a revolutionary with a dark heart, force Benedick to prove his love for Beatrice - by vowing to kill his best friend, Claudio."

Beatriz Romilly has previously starred in The Globe's productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Henry VI Pt I, II & III, The God of Soho and Doctor Faustus.

Matthew Needham' previous work for the Globe includes Imogen, The Comedy of Errors, Titus Andronicus and The Knight of the Burning Pestle. He has worked extensively at the RSC, with credits including Henry IV Pt I & II, Love's Sacrifice, The Jew of Malta, Titus Andronicus and Candide.

Director Matthew Dunster is Associate Director at Shakespeare's Globe, where his previous productions include Imogen (2016), The Lightning Child (2013), Doctor Faustus (2011), Troilus and Cressida (2009) and The Frontline (2008 and 2009).

Tickets for the production are now on sale.