‘Let us once lose our oaths to find ourselves, Or else we lose ourselves to keep our oaths.’

Taking an oath to isolate themselves from the trivial distractions of women and love, four men think a spell of celibacy, study and self-improvement is the key to maxing out their potential. But when a Princess and her three companions arrive on a diplomatic mission, the allure of abstinence begins to evaporate. Something’s got to give…

Bask in the idealism and excesses of youth in this sharp, playful and refreshingly contemporary take on Shakespeare’s vibrant comedy, with Luke Thompson (Bridgerton, A Little Life at the Harold Pinter Theatre) who makes his RSC debut as Berowne.

Emily Burns, Associate Director of the National Theatre and of The Bridge, directs in her RSC debut. Other work includes the acclaimed Jack Absolute Flies Again and Dear Octopus both at the National Theatre.

• About the play
• Cast and creatives
• The Plot
• Trailer
• Behind the Scenes

unning time:

2 hrs 45 mins (including a 20 mins interval)

Royal Shakespeare Theatre

Stratford-upon-Avon