Autumn 1918. A group of soldiers returns 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 rather more combative courtship. Shakespeare's comic romance plays out amidst the brittle high spirits of a post-war house party, as youthful passions run riot, lovers are deceived and happiness is threatened - before peace ultimately wins out. 'This is the most blissfully entertaining and emotionally involving RSC offering I've seen in ages.' (The Daily Telegraph) 'This is, in it's entirety, an endeavor that sings: poignant, impassioned and gorgeous... Brilliantly comic... extraordinarily powerful' (The Times) 'A marvel... immaculately coordinated.' (The Daily Mail) 'These productions are a joy... Edward Bennett and Michelle Terry make a splendid pairing. ' (The Sunday Times)