A play replete with puns and double-entendres, that is among Shakespeare’s earliest & 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, also to forswear the business of women for this period. No faster is their vow produced than it really is tested, nevertheless, as the princess of France and three of her girls arrive in Navarre on a diplomatic objective. The young men fall instantly and hopelessly in love, and the strain between their vow and their enthusiasm forms the main topic of this enchanting and dazzling early comedy.

Berowne is played by Alex Jennings and Rosaline by Emma Fielding. Samantha Connection is the princess, and Greg Smart the ruler of Navarre. Alan Howard performs Don Armado.

“Alex Jennings and Emma Fielding are first-class as the fans Berowne and Rosaline. The satire of courtiers and fops is also handled well.”—AudioFile