A play replete with puns and double-entendres, this is one of Shakespeare's earliest and most lighthearted.
The young king of Navarre and three of his courtiers have vowed to lock themselves away for three years of study and fasting, and to forswear the company of women for this period. No sooner is their vow made than it is tested, however, as the princess of France and three of her ladies arrive in Navarre on a diplomatic mission. The young men fall instantly and hopelessly in love, and the tension between their vow and their passion forms the subject of this charming and sparkling early comedy.
Berowne is played by Alex Jennings and Rosaline by Emma Fielding. Samantha Bond is the princess, and Greg Wise the king of Navarre. Alan Howard plays Don Armado.
Cast
King of Navarre – Greg Wise
Berowne – Alex Jennings
Princess of France – Samantha Bond
Rosaline – Emma Fielding
Don Armado – Alan Howard
Longaville – Jonathan Tafler
Dumaine – John Warnaby
Maria – Sarah Rice
Katharine – Katharine Schlesinger
Boyet – Nicholas Woodeson
Moth – Steven O'Neill
Holofernes – David Horovitch
Nathaniel – Kenneth Jay
Dull – John Dallimore
Costard – Max Bonamy
Jaquenetta – Emily Raymond
