Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell have potent chemistry in this rave-tastic Shakespeare production

Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell star in Much Ado About Nothing - (Marc Brenner)

Sometimes star casting absolutely works. Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell create a potent, antagonistic sense of attraction between Shakespeare’s warring lovers, Benedick and Beatrice, in this joyful, rave-influenced production by Jamie Lloyd. There’s lots of ecstatic dancing and singalongs to 90s club classics, but also a very clear expression of how a fripperous romantic comedy almost tips into tragedy.

It’s a triumphant return to form for Lloyd that redeems the two-play Shakespeare season he cheekily sandwiched into Drury Lane between two musicals, following his inert Tempest with Sigourney Weaver. This Much Ado is bold and brash with some coarse touches, but it feels like an event with a big ‘E’.