Much Ado About Nothing

Shakespeare's comedy of 1598-99, set in Messina, follows the "merry war" of wit between Beatrice and Benedick, who swear they despise each other, while the young lovers Claudio and Hero are torn apart when the villainous Don John tricks Claudio into believing Hero unfaithful. Friends scheme to bring the sparring pair together, and the bumbling constable Dogberry and his Watch end up exposing the plot. First printed in quarto in 1600, it remains one of Shakespeare's most performed comedies.