A star-studded production of Much Ado About Nothing has just hit the West End, Adam Dolan takes a look at the famous cast and crew of the highly anticipated play.
Much Ado About Nothing comes to the Wyndham's Theatre this week, and reunites former Doctor Who co-stars David Tennant and Catherine Tate – a combo that'll send any sci-fi fan into joyful convulsions.
With that in mind, we thought we'd look at the pull of this pair, and make a few wee predictions about the long-awaited West End show.
David Tennant – Benedick
David Tennant, most recognisable as the 10th Doctor, has an impressive theatrical resumé, going back over twenty years – yeah, he's 40 would you believe? Here he plays Benedick, a verbose, cheeky chappy not dissimilar to other characters Tennant's played, not least his interpretation of the time-travelling Doctor. Benedick is reluctantly in love with Beatirice (Tate) and the verbal volleyball will surely fly. It's a familiar template for Tennant and Tate and pretty similar to the one they they shared in Doctor Who with some added romance.
You'll have noticed the publicity for Much Ado shamelessly milking the duo's history (a bit like we're doing here); with every promo photo featuring them together. The only thing missing is a blue telephone box or a dustbin with the word “Exterminate!” scrawled on it. You have to wonder if the poor people playing Hero and Claudio will get a look-in. Probably not, unless they cast Matt Smith and Karen Gillan.
Catherine Tate – Beatrice
Tate played Doctor Who's faithful sidekick Donna Noble, and she's known to some as the progenitor of the most annoying catchphrase of the 20th century ("Am I bovvered?!). Tate's theatrical experience isn't as prolific as her time-lord co-star's, but she's no amateur; having been in a bunch of plays, including some for the NT and RSC.
Her character in Much Ado, Beatrice, is a fine example of Shakespeare's penchant for strong, feisty female characters and she's more than able to keep up with Benedick in a verbal sparring match. Shakespeare aside, this kind of character is well-trodden ground for Tate. Her character in Who was more outspoken than most of the previous “companions”, and we're certain that elements of Tate's boisterous character Lauren will be in evidence too since no-nonsense, loud-mouthed, opinionated women are her comfort zone.
Josie Rourke – Director
Josie Rourke is hot property. She's the artistic director of the Bush Theatre, soon to be the director of Donmar Warehouse, and she's been referenced as a likely prospect to be the first female director of the NT. Four-star reviews aren't uncommon, but her penchant for beefing up female roles does rub some people the wrong way. The last time she staged a production of Much Ado, Telegraph theatre critic Charles Spencer accused her of trying to force a “feminist point”. It'll be interesting to see how Beatrice and Hero are portrayed in this production, given Rourke's interpretations of female characters in the past.
Much Ado About Nothing runs at the Wyndham's Theatre from May 16th to September 3rd
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