Jones and Redgrave will play reluctant lovers Beatrice and Benedick in the production, which opens on 19 September 2013 (previews from 7 September).
Further cast includes: Tim Barlow (Verges), Penelope Beaumont (Ursula), Kingsley Ben-Adir (Borachio), Katherine Carlton (Beryl), Beth Cooke (Hero), Alan David (Antonio), Michael Elwyn (Leonato), Lloyd Everitt (Claudio), James Garnon (Don Pedro), Melody Grove (Margaret), Trevor Laird (Conrade), Leroy Osei-Bonsu (Messenger), Mark Ross (Sexton), Peter Wight (Dogberry and Friar Francis) and Danny Lee Wynter (Don John).
While young lovers Claudio and Hero threaten to have their imminent nuptials thwarted by the resentful scheming of a Prince, marriage seems inconceivable for reluctant lovers Beatrice and Benedick.
Redgrave and Earl Jones – who starred together in the WhatsOnStage Award-winning West End revival of Driving Miss Daisy, take on these roles for the first time.
Rylance recently appeared on stage in Richard III and Twelfth Night (Shakespeare’s Globe and West End), which transfer to Broadway later this year. Previously he appeared as Johnny ‘Rooster’ Byron in the critically-acclaimed production of Jerusalem, a role he played at the Royal Court, in the West End and on Broadway.
Much Ado About Nothing, which is is produced in association with Shakespeare Road & Nicolas Kent, runs until 23 November 2013.
