How you can win tickets to special screening of new BBC drama Shakespeare & Hathaway

Brand new BBC Daytime drama Shakespeare & Hathaway – Private Investigators, is due to hit TV screens late February, but 150 lucky people are getting the chance to view a private screening of the first episode.

Actors Mark Benton and Jo Joyner star in new BBC drama and the dynamic duo are heading back to the West Midlands, where some of the show was filmed, to meet the audience.

The Other Place in Stratford-upon-Avon, an actual location featured in the drama, will be the 200-seat venue to hold the screening along with a special question and answer (Q&A) session hosted by Midlands Today presenter Rebecca Wood.

Attending will be stars Jo Joyner, Mark Benton, Patrick Walshe McBride and the show’s producer Ella Kelly.

The ten-part drama from BBC Studios, created by Paul Matthew Thompson and Jude Tindall, will see Frank Hathaway (Benton), a hardboiled private investigator, and his rookie sidekick Luella Shakespeare (Joyner), form the unlikeliest of partnerships as they investigate the secrets of rural Warwickshire’s residents.

Beneath the picturesque charm lies a hotbed of mystery and intrigue: extramarital affairs, celebrity stalkers, missing police informants, care home saboteurs, rural rednecks and murderous magicians. They disagree on almost everything, yet somehow, together, they make a surprisingly effective team – although they would never admit it.

Sara Beaumont / RSC

For Mark Benton, it was love at first sight when it came to his role in the show:

“As soon as I read the script I knew I wanted to play Frank Hathaway; he’s a chaotic and old fashioned but lovable detective. Frank and Lu are a real odd couple but they quickly become the perfect duo in an action packed, fun-filled drama. I can’t wait to get my teeth stuck into this role.”

Jo Joyner added:

“I’m really looking forward to playing Lu Shakespeare. She’s quick witted, inquisitive, warm and friendly – people tend to open up to her and she’s ready for a new adventure. Becoming a private investigator looks to be the perfect place to use her skills for the greater good. I’m thrilled to be working with the fantastic Mark Benton and I think viewers are going to really enjoy watching the two characters rub along together.”

Will Trotter, head of BBC Daytime Drama at the BBC Drama Village, commented:

“For years we have been producing quality drama at the BBC Drama Village, and Shakespeare & Hathaway is no different. It’s the perfect programme to indulge in, and like many of the programmes that we make in Birmingham, we’ve been out and about in the county to film in some of the best locations the Midlands has to offer.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the audience reactions to the first episode, it’s got a whodunit storyline with a brilliant introduction to the main characters, but leaves you with some questions which makes the audience want to come back for more!”

The special private screening of Shakespeare & Hathaway – Private Investigators takes place on Friday 9th February at The Other Place in Stratford-upon-Avon. To enter the draw for the event, click here.