Dramatization

Much Ado About Nothing was made for lively audio. These dramatizations serve up the quick wit, overheard confessions, eavesdropping disasters, and sparkling wordplay that make the play such a joy. Expect full-cast fun, radio-play sharpness, and sound design that keeps the comedy dancing. The quality of available recordings vary. But be blythe and bonny — this section delivers.

Much Ado About Nothing cover

Much Ado About Nothing

Runtime: 2h 1m
Narrator: Rex Harrison, others...…
Much Ado About Nothing (BBC) cover

Much Ado About Nothing (BBC)

Runtime: 2h 14m
Narrator: Samantha Spiro, Emilia Fox, Maxine Peake…
Much Ado About Nothing (2 Performers) cover

Much Ado About Nothing (2 Performers)

Runtime: 2h 30m
Narrator: Susan Bones, Zacharias Prewett…
Much Ado About Nothing (ARGO Classics) cover

Much Ado About Nothing (ARGO Classics)

Runtime: 2h 10m
Narrator: John Gielgud, Michael Hordern, Peggy Ash…
Much Ado About Nothing (Blackstone) cover

Much Ado About Nothing (Blackstone)

Runtime: 2h 44m
Narrator: Lillian Rachel, Claudia Anglade, John Bu…
Much Ado about Nothing (ARKANGEL) cover

Much Ado about Nothing (ARKANGEL)

Runtime: 2h 8m
Narrator: a full cast, Saskia Reeves, Paul Jesson,…
Much Ado About Nothing (Solo) cover

Much Ado About Nothing (Solo)

Runtime: 2h 18m
Narrator: Matt Montanez
Much Ado About Nothing (Saland) cover

Much Ado About Nothing (Saland)

Runtime: 2h 7m
Narrator: Peggy Ashcroft, Sir John Gielgud…

Novels Based On Much Ado About Nothing

These novels bottle the spirit of the play: clever banter, slow-burn troublemakers, misunderstandings, meddling relatives, and that delightful Beatrice–Benedick style of love-by-argument. You’ll find modern rom-coms, warm character stories, sun-soaked adventures, and fresh reimaginings that capture every ounce of mischief and charm. Whether the lovers are artists abroad, rivals in denial, or friends caught in family schemes, these books keep the heart of the comedy beating loud and bright.

Two Wrongs Make a Right cover

Two Wrongs Make a Right

Runtime: 11h 30m
Narrator: Charlotte North, Stephen Dexter…
Under a Dancing Star cover

Under a Dancing Star

Runtime: 7h 28m
Narrator: Sarah Ovens
Tastes Like Shakkar: A Novel cover

Tastes Like Shakkar: A Novel

Runtime: 10h 13m
Narrator: Soneela Nankani, Vikas Adam…
Much Ado About Margaret: A Novel cover

Much Ado About Margaret: A Novel

Runtime: 9h 37m
Narrator: Suzie Rai

Adaptations / Other

And then there’s the classic YouTube adaptation, Nothing Much To Do — one of the great internet-era Shakespeare retellings. Honest to goodness, this is the sort of thing the web was invented for. Below is the trailer, and the full, joyous series is linked if you want to fall down the happiest rabbit hole imaginable.

The full story is available here.

Educational

Study-friendly editions of Much Ado About Nothing that help unpack the comedy, context, and language. Ideal for classrooms, learners, and anyone who wants a clear, warm introduction to the play’s jokes, social dynamics, and emotional beats. These guides make revisiting the text easy, accessible, and fun.

Much Ado About Nothing Study Guide: Course Hero cover

Much Ado About Nothing Study Guide: Course Hero…

Runtime: 59m
Narrator: Regina Buccola