Simon Russell Beale (Benedick) and Zoë Wanamaker (Beatrice) discuss the relationship between their characters and talk about the darker elements in their 'merry war'.

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.

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Simon Russell Beale and Zoë Wanamaker on Benedick and Beatrice

Simon Russell Beale and Zoë Wanamaker on Benedick and Beatrice

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