A dark comedy about love, friendship and the perils of disguise

Shakespeare's 400th anniversary is gearing up to be a busy season in London this year, and the arrival of this internationally touring production of the Bard's raucous comedy is sure to draw in the crowds at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse this autumn. With a cast of just four main characters (and a dog!), this little-known comedy deals with the themes of friendship, love, infidelity and carelessness of the heart. This production will tour the UK as well as Europe throughout 2016.

What is it about?

When Valentine leaves Verona for the bright lights of Milan, he unsuccessfully tries to take his best friend Proteus with him. However, as Proteus is in love with a local woman Julia, he steadfastedly refuses to leave. But when Proteus' father insists that he follow Valentine to the city, Proteus and Julia secretly exchange vows and rings until his return.

Arriving in Milan, Proteus discovers that Valentine has fallen deeply in love with a local noblewoman, Silvia - the only problem is that Proteus desires her for himself. In a series of mistaken identities, subterfuge between the two friends, and the sudden arrival of Julia in disguise as a page, will the four lovers ever be reunited, or are friendships doomed to fail forever?