Proud, vivacious Beatrice and a high-spirited rake Benedick both claim that they are determined never to marry. But when good-hearted mischief-maker Don Pedro tricks them into believing that each harbours secret feelings for the other, Beatrice and Benedick begin to question whether their witty banter and repartee conceals something deeper.

'We go to Shakespeare to find out about ourselves' Jeanette Winterson

Beatrice and Benedick both claim they are determined never to marry. But when their friends trick them into believing that each harbours secret feelings for the other, the pair begin to question whether their witty banter and verbal sparring conceal something deeper. Schemes abound, dangerous misunderstandings proliferate and
matches are eventually made in this dazzling, dark-edged comedy of mature love and second chances.

Used and Recommended by the National Theatre

General Editor Stanley Wells
Edited by R. A. Foakes
Introduction by Janette Dillon