Helena, physician's daughter of humble birth, cures the King of France, and in return is promised the hand of any nobleman she wishes. But the man she chooses, the proud young Bertram, count of Rosillion, flees to Florence, refusing to consent to the forced marriage unless Helena can pass two seemingly impossible tests.

'Shakespeare was not of an age, but for all time' Ben Jonson

A poor doctor's daughter cures the King of France and, in return, is promised marriage to any nobleman she wishes. But the proud young count she chooses refuses to consummate the marriage and flees to Florence - after setting her a seemingly impossible task. Depicting the triumph of trickery over youthful arrogance, All's Well That Ends Well is among Shakespeare's darkest romantic comedies, yet it remains a powerful tribute to the strength of love.

Used and Recommended by the National Theatre

General Editor Stanley Wells
Edited by Barbara Everett
Introduction by Janette Dillon