Following previews of Much Ado About Nothing (with Tamsin Grieg and Joseph Millson as Beatrice and Benedick) from Dec. 7, Antony and Cleoptra, starring Stewart and Harriet Walter and The Tempest, featuring Stewart’s Prospero, will transfer in January and February respectively. Marianne Elliott’s production of Much Ado About Nothing officially opens Dec. 13, Gregory Doran’s staging of Antony and Cleoptra, Jan. 15, 2007, following previews from Jan. 11, and Oxford Stage Company Artistic Director Rupert Goold’s production of The Tempest, Feb. 28, following previews from Feb. 22.

The ambitious year-long festival was launched on Shakespeare’s birthday, April 23 2006, and features 23 RSC shows, 17 international productions and a further 14 productions by UK theatre companies.

It is the first time that all of Shakespeare’s 37 plays, as well as his sonnets and poems will be performed during the same event.

The transfer to the Novello represents the RSC’s second season at impresario Cameron Mackintosh’s newly refurbished Novello Theatre, formerly the Albery.

Public booking for the three shows opens Sept. 30. For more information call (0)870 950 0940.