Based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard, it will be directed by Declan Donnellan and designed by Nick Ormerod. The producers are Disney and Sonia Friedman Productions.

Bateman's stage credits include Antonio in The Duchess of Malfi at the Old Vic, Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing at Wyndham's Theatre, Richard in The Lion in Winter at the Theatre Royal Haymarket and Dante Gabriel Rossetti in Lizzie Siddal at the Arcola Theatre. He has played major roles in the TV series "Da Vinci's Demons" and "The Tunnel."

Briggs-Owen has worked extensively for the RSC, appearing as Maryna in Boris Godunuv, Princess in The Orphan of Zhao, Helena in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Luscinda in Cardenio and Anne in The City Madam. West End credits include Brooke Ashton in Noises Off, Vivie Warren in Mrs. Warren's Profession and Olga in Fortune's Fool. Regional credits include Mrs. Fainall in The Way of the World at Sheffield Crucible and Blanche Satorius in Widowers' Houses at Manchester's Royal Exchange.

Further casting is still to be announced.

To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 482 5141, or visit www.shakespeareinlove.com.