Ken Nwosu and Pippa Nixon deliver standout performances as Benedick and Beatrice in Chelsea Walker's new production of Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare's Globe, running from 29 June to 24 October 2026. The modern-dress, good vibes take on Shakespeare's romantic comedy features animal masks and playful energy, but inevitably draws comparisons to Jamie Lloyd's acclaimed 2025 version.
A Delightful Pair of Bickering Lovers
Nwosu portrays an affable, laidback Benedick, less martial than his soldier friends and prone to silly jokes—such as disrupting the wedding scene with a stupid noise and blaming an audience member. Nixon's Beatrice is a bonkers free spirit who howls like a wolf at the sky and performatively snogs the messenger announcing the men's return from war. Their chemistry forms the play's beating heart, and for once, their reluctance to couple seems rooted in genuine incompatibility rather than mere banter.
The eavesdropping sequence is immaculate, with both getting soaked, and Nixon wrings a laugh out of Beatrice asking Benedick to kill his friend Claudio. The masks and animal costumes add fun, though Lloyd used similar elements last year.
Struggles with the Serious Side
Walker emphasizes the problematic nature of Claudio (Joshua John) dumping Hero (Assa Kanouté), pushing Claudio to look like an incel with rage issues, which makes the ending hard to accept. The inclusion of the oft-trimmed Dogberry plot, played by Richard Katz as a wild-eyed, wild-haired policeman, means a chunk of the second half lacks Nwosu and Nixon, and the show suffers.
A Production for Tourists and Aficionados
While not surpassing Lloyd's version, Walker's production appeals to Globe tourists with its upbeat energy and impresses Shakespeare fans with its leads' charisma. Tickets range from £5 to £85, with a running time of 2 hours 30 minutes.
