British Stars Pay Tribute to SWEET MR SHAKESPEARE at Theatre On The Bay

Four centuries after his death, Shakespeare is performed more and more and is loved throughout the world. He is without doubt Britain's greatest export. A life's work and a 400-year legacy come to life in SWEET MR SHAKESPEARE, in a production that examines the reactions to the Bard over the centuries and performs great passages from the comedies, tragedies and histories.

Honouring the Bard are Gary Raymond, Delena Kidd and Wanda Ventham, who previously appeared at Theatre on the Bay in the 2012 production of Sir Ronald Harwood's play QUARTET and in 2014 in Richard Everett's ENTERTAINING ANGELS. They are joined on-stage by Ventham's husband, Timothy Carlton.

Carlton and Ventham are British stage and film actor Benedict Cumberbatch's parents and made an unexpected cameo appearance in the first episode of Season 2 of SHERLOCK. The pair played Holmes' mother and father in a scene in Baker Street. Cumberbatch said he was "so proud of them", but admitted "it was kind of nerve-wracking". He said: "They're Equity card carrying members and actors as well and yet they were brilliant and they were fantastic." Carlton's full name is Timothy Carlton Congdon Cumberbatch.

Acting runs in the blood of all four "sweet Shakespeareans", with Raymond and Kidd's youngest daughter, Emily Raymond, having appeared alongside them in ENTERTAINING ANGELS and with her being married to fellow British actor, Ben Miles.

SWEET MR SHAKESPEARE runs from 9 - 13 February 2016, with tickets costing R100 - R200. Bookings are through Computicket.

Don't Miss a South Africa News Story Sign up for all the news on the Fall season, discounts & more...