Palamon and Arcite, cousins and bosom close friends, are taken prisoner by Duke Theseus of Athens. While in captivity, they spy the stunning Emilia. Both fall immediately deeply in love with her, and their connection to one another converts to hate.

This dark-edged tragicomedy is currently widely thought to be having been compiled by Shakespeare in collaboration with John Fletcher. Composed sometime in 1613-14, The Two Noble Kinsmen is the last play in Shakespeare’s dramatic career.

Jonathan Firth plays Palamon, Nigel Cooke is Arcite, and Emilia is played by Helen Schlesinger.