Catch up TV

Episode 28 December 2024

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. \n\nFor 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. \n\nHere, 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.

Source: BBC 4