Ruth Leon recommends… Much Ado About Nothing – Tate and Tennant

Ruth Leon recommends… Much Ado About Nothing – Tate and Tennant

Ruth Leon recommends

norman lebrecht

November 12, 2023

Much Ado About Nothing – Tate and Tennant

Click here to rent

I am often asked which is my favourite Shakespeare comedy and I have to admit that it is this one, Much Ado About Nothing. We’ve seen many versions in recent years, with actors as different as James Earl Jones with Vanessa Redgrave (ugh) and Kenneth Branagh with Emma Thompson (yum) and at least a dozen others and, with a few obvious mistakes (see first example), I’ve loved them all.

Here’s the one starring David Tennant  as Benedick and Catherine Tate as Beatrice. This production, directed by Josie Rourke, was shot live at Wyndham’s Theatre in London’s West End. It played to sold-out houses and received wide critical acclaim.

The plot, in case you’ve forgotten, is about a couple, Beatrice and Benedick who are adamant in their mutual dislike, while their friends Claudio and Hero are deep in love, and the two stories take an unexpected course.

Sheer bliss.

If you don’t want to subscribe to Digital Theatre, you can rent this one play for 48 hours for £7.99.

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Comments

  • Sheryl says:

    I’ve paid to see this on digital theatre many times. I love the chemistry and comedic pairing of Benedick and Beatrice . David Tennant and Catherine Tate along with the cast bring this play to life .

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