Redgrave & Jones In New MUCH ADO Promo Poster

Iconic stage and screen stars Vanessa Redgrave and James Earl Jones take on Shakespeare together in the West End with a new Mark Rylance-directed production of the comedy MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING and an endearing new poster has been revealed for the upcoming Old Vic production.

Redgrave laughs heartily while leaning on Jones's shoulder in the new promotional shot, with him tilting the teteering hat upon her crown with a winsome smile.

Of note, the unusual casting of elder actors such as Jones and Redgrave in the pivotal roles of Benedick and Beatrice, respectively, is a striking choice sure to inspire discussion and debate among Shakespeare fans, making this upcoming West End revival a must-see for Bard buffs.

A previous poster was released last month that did not feature the two headlining stars, available here.

The official plot description from the official site is as follows: "While young lovers Claudio and Hero threaten to have their imminent nuptials thwarted by the resentful scheming of a Prince, marriage seems inconceivable for reluctant lovers Beatrice (Vanessa Redgrave) and Benedick (James Earl Jones). Redgrave and Earl Jones take on these roles for the first time."

In addition to Jones and Redgrave, the cast of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING also includes Tim Barlow, Penelope Beaumont, Kingsley Ben-Adir, Katherine Carlton, Beth Cooke, Alan David, Michael Elwyn, Lloyd Everitt, James Garnon, Melody Grove, Trevor Laird, Leroy Osei-Bonsu, Mark Ross, Peter Wight and Danny Lee Wynter.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING begins previews on September 7 with an opening set for September 19 at the Old Vic in London's West End.

More information on MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING is available at the official site here.

View a larger version of the new poster for MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING starring Jones and Redgrave below.