Much Ado About Nothing

As the play opens, you find yourself in the court of the governor of Messina–Leonato–who is father of Hero and uncle of Beatrice. The prince of Arragon comes to visit Leonato with his troublesome brother Don John and his friend Claudio. The main plot is the story of Claudio’s courtship of Hero which is ruined by the intervention of Don John and his scheming. The matter is complicated considerably by the apparent death of Hero. Meanwhile, in the more famous subplot, you see Beatrice and Benedick begin to fall in love despite their perpetual battle of wits where they swear hatred of each other. One of Shakespeare’s later comedies, audiences will enjoy the comic wordplay, schemings and unmaskings which conclude with the inevitable reconciliation and sprightly dance.