Olivier Ford Davies (Leonato) talks about the use of language and emphasises Shakespeare's interest in the affect action has on the characters in his plays.

Simon Russell Beale and Zoë Wanamaker on Benedick and Beatrice

In Much Ado About Nothing Benedick and Beatrice are engaged in a very "merry war"; they are both proclaim their scorn for love, marriage, and each other. In contrast, Claudio and Hero are idealistic young people fall who fall in love at first sight. By means of "noting" (which sounds the same as "nothing," and which is gossip, rumour, and overhearing) these characters go through a series of misunderstandings, mishaps and heartbreak. This collection is from the NT Archive, filmed as part of the 2007 production at the National Theatre directed by Nicholas Hytner. Included in this collection are interviews with Nicholas Hytner, Simon Russell Beale and Zoë Wanamaker, as well as a workpack featuring teacher's notes.