Part of a double-bill transfer to the West End

Following its hit engagement in 2014 at RSC Stratford, The Theatre Royal Haymarket hosts the West End transfer of Love's Labour 's Lost, brought forward to Edwardian times by acclaimed director Christopher Luscombe. Set in 1914, we follow the exploits of the King and his friends swearing off women for three years. However, no sooner than they make this agreement, then the Princess of France and her entourage arrive - with comical consequences. This play is presented with Love's Labour's Won (otherwise known as Much Ado About Nothing), also transferring to the West End.

One of Shakespeare's earliest plays

The notions of masculine pursuit of love and idealism versus cold reality form the key themes of this early comedic work. With the arrival of the Princess and her companions, we see the King and his entourage sorely tested, with each character trying to secretly woo their respective paramours.

With switched out letters and a courtier filling in the women to the men's underhanded tactics (including of course, a few disguises!), the promise to stay celibate is soon forgotten with a series of misunderstandings and a battle of the sexes. In a twist of tragic irony however, when the news of the first World War breaking out reaches them, they must leave at once, telling the men that they must wait a year until they can woo them again, to prove that their intentions are true. Thus, their highhanded vow turns out to happen.