Shakespeare in Love announces new cast for 2015

The current West End production of Shakespeare in Love has announced a full new cast for the production, who will all begin performances in the show from 12 January 2015 at the Noel Coward Theatre.

The play, which is now booking until 18 April 2015, is based on the Academy Award®-winning screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard and has been adapted for the stage by Lee Hall. Featuring a company of 28 actors, musicians, and a dog, it is one of the largest companies ever assembled for a play in the West End.

Orlando James will star in the lead role of Will Shakespeare opposite Eve Ponsonby who will play his muse, Viola De Lesseps. The pair recently appeared together in Cheek by Jowl's ''Tis Pity She's A Whore' which was also directed by the director of Shakespeare in Love, Declan Donnellan.

They will be joined by: Nicholas Asbury (Wessex), Neal Barry (Henslowe), Richard Bremmer (Tilney and Sir Robert De Lesseps), Paul Brennen (Fennyman), Suzanne Burden (Queen Elizabeth), Ryan Donaldson(Ned Alleyn), Edward Franklin (Marlowe), Ncuti Gatwa (Wabash), Gregg Lowe (Sam), Andy McKeane (Ralph), Peter Moreton (Burbage), Joy Richardson (Nurse), Charlie Tighe (Nol), and Stuart Wilde (Webster).

The ensemble cast will include Aaron Anthony, Jonno Davies, Peter Hannah, Nick Hart, Joshua Higgott, Sioned Jones, Sandy Murray, Ellie Nunn, Thomas Padden, Stevie Raine, Elliot Rennie and Florence Roberts.

"Young Will Shakespeare has writer's block... the deadline for his new play is fast approaching but he's in desperate need of inspiration. That is, until he finds his muse - Viola. This beautiful young woman is Will's greatest admirer and will stop at nothing (including breaking the law) to appear in his next play. Against a bustling background of mistaken identity, ruthless scheming and backstage theatrics, Will's love for Viola quickly blossoms and inspires him to write his greatest masterpiece."

Shakespeare in Love originally opened at the Noel Coward Theatre on 23 July 2014, following previews from 2 July 2014. It features designs by Nick Ormerod, music by Paddy Cunneen, choreography by Jane Gibson, lighting design by Neil Austin and sound design by Simon Baker. It is produced by Disney and Sonia Friedman Productions.