Shakespeare In Love extends to 10 January 2015

The stage premiere of Shakespeare In Love, adapted for the stage by Lee Hall from the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, has extended by over three months to 10 January 2015 at the Noel Coward Theatre.

The production is directed by Declan Donnellan, with set design by Nick Ormerod, lighting by Neil Austin, choreography by Jane Gibson and sound by Simon Baker. It is produced by Disney Theatrical Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions.

The current cast includes Tom Bateman (Will Shakespeare), Lucy Briggs-Owen (Viola De Lesseps), Ian Bartholomew (Tilney), Tony Bell (Ralph), Anna Carteret (Queen Elizabeth), Paul Chahidi (Henslowe), David Ganley (Burbage), Richard Howard (Sir Robert De Lesseps), Harry Jardine (Sam), Abigail McKern (Nurse), David Oakes (Marlowe), Patrick Osborne (Mr Wabash), Alistair Petrie (Wessex), Doug Rao (Ned Alleyn), Ferdy Roberts (Fennyman) and Colin Ryan (John Webster).

Shakespeare In Love opened at the Noel Coward Theatre on 23 July 2014, following previews from 2 July 2014, to good reviews from the popular press: "A love song to the theatre itself" (LondonTheatre.co.uk); "It makes you feel grateful to be alive" (Independent); "A fizzy, infectious exuberance" (Evening Standard).

Synopsis: "Plagued by debt, tormented by writer's block and in desperate need of a new hit, promising new playwright Will Shakespeare finds his muse in the form of passionate young noblewoman, Viola De Lesseps. Their forbidden love soon draws everyone, including Queen Elizabeth herself, into the drama and inspires Will to write the greatest love story of all time, Romeo and Juliet."

This production features a company of 28 actors and musicians, which is claimed to be one of the largest companies ever assembled for a play in the West End. As well as the actors and musicians, audiences will also see a dog taking part in the show.