Northern Broadsides and New Vic Theatre have announced that Robin Simpson will take over the role of Benedick in their co-production of Much Ado About Nothing.

The company are currently in rehearsals, and Simpson will step into the role after Reece Dinsdale had to leave the production due to a family illness.

Simpson has just come off a critically acclaimed run as the Dame in Aladdin at Huddersfield’s Lawrence Batley Theatre, and changes gear to play Benedick, opposite Isobel Middleton’s Beatrice, when the production begins its tour at the New Vic from Friday 8th February – Saturday 2nd March.

Much Ado About Nothing's full cast will be announced next week.

National Tour dates

Tue 5^th – Sat 9^th March - The Dukes Lancaster

Box Office: 01524 598500 / www.dukes-lancaster.org

Tue 12^th – Sat 16^th March - Stephen Joseph Theatre, Scarborough

Box Office: 01723 370541 www.sjt.uk.com

Tue 19^th – Sat 23^rd March - Salisbury Playhouse

Box Office: 01722 320333 / www.wiltshirecreative.co.uk

Tue 26^th – Sat 30^th March - Derby Theatre

Box Office: 01332 593939 / www.derbytheatre.co.uk

Tue 2^nd – Sat 6^th April - Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds

Box Office: 01284 769505 / www.theatreroyal.org

Tue 16^th – Sat 20^th April – Lawrence Batley Theatre, Huddersfield

Box Office: 01484 430528 / www.thelbt.org

Thu 25^th April – Sat 4^th May – Viaduct Theatre, Halifax

Box Office: 01422 255266 / www.deanclough.com

Tue 7^th – Sat 11^th May - The Lowry, Salford

Box Office: 08432086000 / www.thelowry.com

Tue 14^th – Sat 18^th May - York Theatre Royal

Box Office 01904 623568 / www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk

Tue 21^st – Sat 25^th May - Harrogate Theatre

Box Office: 01423 502116 / www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk