![]() ![]() ![]() It’s hardly surprising that, for many readers and theatregoers, its unofficial alternative title is ‘the Beatrice and Benedick show’. Much Ado about Nothing is one of Shakespeare’s more straightforward comedies, in which the plot is simple but the fun is to be had in the skirmishes of wit between the secondary couple, who are far more interesting than the play’s nominal hero (no pun intended) and heroine. Hero and Claudio fall in love almost at first sight, but an outsider, Don John, strikes out at their happiness. Given that it’s nearly two years since the pandemic closed the country’s theatres, the time for a loud whoop of delight at this major milestone has probably passed it. One of Shakespeares most frequently performed comedies, Much Ado About Nothing includes two quite different stories of romantic love. Third, Borachio is ‘noted’ or overheard bragging about his part in bringing to fruition Don John’s plot, and Dogberry’s subsequent ‘noting’ of the events and clearing up of the mystery. Akiya Henry as Beatrice in the RSCs new Much Ado About Nothing Credit: Ikin Yum At long last, Shakespeare is back on the Stratford main-stage, and playing to full houses. ![]() First, Don John’s malevolent plot hinges on Claudio being made to overhear or witness ‘Hero’ (really Margaret) flirting with another man second, Don Pedro, Claudio, and Hero’s (much more benevolent) plot to convince Beatrice and Benedick together turns on the two of them being made to overhear the three friends talking about how the other one secretly loves them: so Benedick overhears his friends talking about how much Beatrice admires him, and vice versa. ![]()
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