Much Ado About Nothing ****

With David Tennant and Catherine Tate as the verbally sparring antagonists, Josie Rourke’s vibrant, sun-kissed revival of Shakespeare’s comedy, set in the 80’s, was bound to be a hot ticket.

There’s decent work in the supporting roles – from Jonathan Coy’s defensive father, Elliot Levey’s uncomfortable villain, and (making his professional debut) Tom Bateman’s hunky, jealous Claudio. But it’s impossible to take one’s eyes off Tennant’s mercurial Benedick who, with a broad Scottish accent and starched white uniform, arrives in a golf buggy (rather than the Tardis), covers his Superman T-Shirt in paint and sports a micro-mini skirt with aplomb before accepting that he does indeed love Beatrice.

And although Tate can’t match his range or subtlety, she successfully conveys the vulnerability beneath her sarcastic put-downs in this fast-paced, fun production.

Wyndhams, Charing Cross Road, WC2H 0DA (0844 482 5120) Tube: Leicester Square MuchAdoOnStage.com
Until 3rd September (£16-£61.00) (Day seat lottery 20 top price seats available at £10)