Helen Mirren and Alan Rickman, two of this country's most distinguished actors, take the title roles in one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies - and perhaps history's most famous love story.

Antony and Cleopatra are figures of immense power, but also self-destructive, undeviating sensualists, whose passion is ultimately transcendant, looking beyond death.

The play spans the entire Mediterranean world; the epic scale of the political events the two main characters are caught up in contrasting with the intimacy of their passion.

Director Sean Mathias' recent work includes Les Parents Terribles, A Little Night Music (both at the National and the former also on Broadway, as Indiscretions) and Marlene (West End and on tour).

Running times (approx):
Matinees end at 5.15pm
Evenings end at 10.45pm