Main content
Sorry, this episode is not currently available

Michelle Terry and Edward Bennett star as Beatrice and Benedick in an acclaimed RSC production, set at the end of WWI, of Shakespeare's much-loved comedy.

Autumn 1918. A group of soldiers return from the trenches. The world-weary Benedick and his friend Claudio find themselves reacquainted with Beatrice and Hero.

As memories of conflict give way to a life of parties and masked balls, Claudio and Hero fall madly, deeply in love, while Benedick and Beatrice reignite their own altogether more combative courtship.

The drama is set amidst the brittle high spirits of a post-war house party, where youthful passions run riot, lovers are deceived and happiness is threatened - before peace ultimately wins out.

Christopher Luscombe directs Michelle Terry and Edward Bennett as Beatrice and Benedick in this acclaimed Royal Shakespeare Company production.

2 hours, 26 minutes

Credits

RoleContributor
BenedickEdward Bennett
BeatriceMichelle Terry
ClaudioTunji Kasim
HeroFlora Spencer-Longhurst
Don JohnSam Alexander
Don PedroJohn Hodgkinson
Frances PickbonePeter Basham
DogberryNick Haverson
LeonatoDavid Horovitch
HousemaidSophie Khan Levy
MargaretEmma Manton
Hugh OatcakeOliver Lynes
SextonChris McCalphy
George SeacoalPeter McGovern
UrsulaFrances McNamee
BorachioChris Nayak
Friar FrancisJamie Newall
VergesRoderick Smith
BalthasarHarry Waller
DirectorChristopher Luscombe

Broadcast

Featured in...