Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to
have been written in 1598 and 1599. The play was included in the First
Folio, published in 1623. The play is set in Messina and revolves around
two romantic pairings that emerge when a group of soldiers arrive in the
town. There are many themes running through this comedy by Shakespeare,
including love, confusion and the theme of 'nothing' itself. In this
story of crossed wires, hidden identities and feelings, honour and
deceit, we are also presented with themes of friendship and marriage.