It is presented as part of the World Shakespeare Festival that the RSC is producing, and is directed by Iqbal Khan. The production, designed by Tom Piper and costumed by Delhi-based Himani Dehlvi, is relocated to modern-day India.
According to press materials, "Audiences will step into India as soon as they enter through the doors of the Courtyard Theatre – with awnings and stalls, Indian music, and a large tree dominating the stage."
Syal, who makes her RSC debut with this production, is best known for her TV, radio and film work that has included "Goodness Gracious Me" and "The Kumars at Number 42." She last appeared on the London stage in Educating Rita at the Menier Chocolate Factory that subsequently transferred to the Trafalgar Studios.
Bhattacharjee has previously appeared for the RSC in Arabian Nights and the 2002 Jacobethan season at Stratford's Swan Theatre and the West End's Gielgud Theatre, including productions of Edward III and The Island Princess. He has also appeared regularly at the Tricycle and Royal Court, and was seen in Complicite's A Disappearing Number and in Playing with Fire at the National.
In a press statement, Syal commented, "Paul Bhattacharjee is a wonderful actor whom I've known for 20 years. We have only played opposite each other once before - in 1992 in a BBC film called 'My Sister Wife,' which was also my first screenplay as a writer. We played husband and wife then but with a far less happy ending than in Much Ado!" To book tickets, contact the box office on 0844 800 11100, or visit www.worldshakespearefestival.org.uk. for more details.