THE PAIRING of two of Shakespeare’s sparklingly funny romances by the Royal Shakespeare Company was called “a match made in heaven” by rave reviews.
And Love’s Labour’s Lost (pictured) and Much Ado About Nothing, first put together to great acclaim at Stratford-upon-Avon in 2014, comes to the Chichester Festival Theatre stage this week prior to their West End run.
Set in contrasting seasons – Love’s Labour’s Lost in the summer of 1914, and Much Ado in the winter of 1918 – they tell the tale of thwarted love in the first, and of fulfilled love in the second.
An innovative matching of events, characters and themes brings them cleverly together.
They can been enjoyed as single performances or both together on one of the theatre’s two-show days.
Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the 22-strong ensemble cast is led by Edward Bennett and Lisa Dillon.
Simon Higlett has designed the dazzling set, and there is glorious music by Nigel Hess.
Love’s Labour’s Lost runs from tomorrow (Thursday) to October 29, and Much Ado started on Saturday and runs until October 29 too.
There are matinees at 2.30pm and evening performances at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost from £15 and can be booked via the box office on 01243 781312 or online at www.cft.org.uk