Write Me Well! Stage Adaptation of Shakespeare in Love Headed to London's West End in July 2014

A stage version of the 1998 Oscar-winning film Shakespeare in Love is set to premiere in the West End in July 2014. Adapted by Tony winner Lee Hall (Billy Elliot) and directed by Olivier winner Declan Donnellan, the previously reported production will play at the Noel Coward Theatre and feature more than 26 actors and musicians. The full cast and creative team will be announced in due course. 

Set in London during the late 16th century, Shakespeare in Love centers on young playwright William Shakespeare, who is struggling with his latest work Romeo and Ethel the Pirate's Daughter. A great fan of Shakespeare's plays is young, wealthy Viola who is about to be married to the cold-hearted Lord Wessex, but constantly dreams of becoming an actress. Women were not allowed to act on stage at that time, but, dressed up as a boy, Viola successfully auditions for the part of Romeo. Soon she and William are caught in a forbidden romance that provides rich inspiration for his play.

Penned by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard and directed by John Madden, Shakespeare in Love won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Original Score, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress for Gwyneth Paltrow and Best Supporting Actress for Judi Dench. The film also starred Joseph Fiennes, Geoffrey Rush and Tom Wilkinson.

In case you haven't seen Shakespeare in Love (what are you waiting for?!), check out the film's theatrical trailer below!