Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing (Dramatized)

By: William Shakespeare

Narrated by: David Tennant, Samantha Spiro, full cast

In this BBC full-cast production of Much Ado About Nothing, some handsome soldiers return from battle. Yet one soldier finds himself locked in a merry war of his own....

In Shakespeare's comedy of wit, love and miscommunication, Beatrice and Benedick and Hero and Claudio are pushed into and pulled out of love, their friends playing cupid with life-changing consequences.

David Tennant and Samantha Spiro star as the famous sparring partners Benedick and Beatrice, with Chiwetel Ejiofor and Emilia Fox as Claudio and Hero. The supporting cast includes Maxine Peake and Julian Rhind-Tutt.

BBC radio has a unique heritage when it comes to Shakespeare. Since 1923, when the newly-formed company broadcast its first full-length play, generations of actors and producers have honed and perfected the craft of making Shakespeare to be heard.

In this acclaimed BBC Radio Shakespeare series, each play is introduced by Richard Eyre, former Director of the Royal National Theatre. Revitalised, original and comprehensive, this is Shakespeare for the modern day.

©2001 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2001 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Excellent way to experience Shakespeare

This is my favorite of the comedies so I'm a bit partial but you really can't go wrong with this production.

Abridged and altered

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

No

Would you listen to another book narrated by the narrators?

I would love to, but the play gets modified by the performers.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

The performance cuts out significant portions of the play. There are also several places where an actor changes a line or word order. It really takes away from the play. Also, Don John speaks too, too softly to even be heard. What's the point?

Come...bid me do anything for thee.

I am not overly fond of Shakespeare; I am not a connoisseur nor a fan of his works. However, David Tennant's performance of Benedick is exquisite. That being said, I could probably listen to David read the phone book and be overcome with emotion. Fangirl? Yeah, maybe....just a tiny bit. This version of "Much Ado About Nothing" is abridged, and the dialogue is altered somewhat. Still, it's immensely enjoyable, and the cast really does an amazing job of bringing it to life. Samantha Spiro is very enjoyable as Beatrice, and her style works well with David's. All in all, an enjoyable listen, especially for DT fans.

Excellent rendition

I liked how much it felt like a live performance with sound effects. I love David Tennant as Benedict and enjoyed the rest of the performance as well. it's been one of my favorite Shakespeare play since I saw the version with Emma Thompson as a teenager and then reread the actual play. I appreciate the ridiculous bits and the human nature that sticks out in this play. Well done adaptation.

Much Ado About Nothing - Audio Book - BBC

A classic by a classic organization. The production made the text come alive. I will glad to purchase the rest of the Bard's collection in audio book.

Abridged

A wonderful interpretation. I just wish it was unabridged. The cast is outstanding. Tennant shines, as always!

Immersive!

Tennant stuns again! This play by Shakespeare is my favorite and I enjoy any rendition available. Tennant brings Benedick to life and the recording makes you feel as if you are sitting on stage just a foot from the characters. Amazing audible option for you!

very much enjoyed! a good performance!

I very much enjoyed this excellent performance by the BBC, good ambiance and relatively uncut!

Excellent

This is a fun production of "Much Ado", with some lively and enjoyably performances, especially from Tennant and Spiro as Beatrice and Benedick. The text is cut a bit, but not to an extent that it will disturb non-purists.

Amazing!!

This is my favorite Shakespeare play. I wasn't sure how I was going to like the audio version of Shakespeare, but I really enjoyed it. It didn't hurt that David Tennant and Idris Elba were part of the cast, they are great in this, as is the rest of the cast.