Main content
This programme will be available shortly after broadcast

Derek Jacobi Remembers... Much Ado About Nothing

Sir Derek Jacobi looks back on the 1967 filmed version of Franco Zeffirelli's famous National Theatre production of Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado About Nothing.

Sir Derek Jacobi looks back on the filmed version of Franco Zeffirelli’s famous 1960s production of Much Ado About Nothing - a performance that brought together Robert Stephens, in the role of Benedick, and his soon-to-be wife - the late, great Maggie Smith - in the key role of Beatrice.

For years, this recording was considered to be ‘lost’ by Shakespeare fans and TV historians, until a copy was found in the US in 2010 and then restored.

Here, Derek recalls how working under ‘Zeff’ with such an impressive cast made for one of his personal career highlights, helped in no small part by the presence of Dame Maggie onstage and the friendship they enjoyed behind the curtain.

Release date:

14 minutes

On TV

Saturday 23:20

Credits

Role Contributor
Interviewed Guest Derek Jacobi
Series Producer Simon Goretzki

Broadcast