Mark Rylance directs James Earl Jones and Vanessa Redgrave in William Shakespeare’s timeless comedy Much Ado About Nothing.

The unconventionally aged duo will take on the roles of Benedick and Beatrice in the Bard’s well-known tale about the sparring duo and young lovers Claudio and Hero whose imminent nuptials are threatened by the resentful scheming of a prince.

Jones and Redgrave, who starred in Driving Miss Daisy in the West End and on Broadway, have both enjoyed successful stage careers.

Tony Award-winning actor Jones has appeared in productions including The Great White Hope and Fences on Broadway, and Cat On A Hot Tin Roof in London, a role for which he received an Olivier Award nomination.

A member of one of the best known acting dynasties in British theatre, Redgrave, who received an Olivier Award for her role in The Aspern Papers, has starred in productions including The Year Of Magical Thinking and The Cherry Orchard at the National Theatre, and Lady Windermere’s Fan at the Theatre Royal Haymarket.