‘I have deceived even your very eyes’. We will explore, through reading and analysis, one of the most popular of Shakespeare’s comedies, Much Ado About Nothing. We will focus on the central theme of deception in the play: in particular the benevolent deception which supports the love story between Beatrice and Benedick, and the malevolent deception which underpins the plot against Hero. We will also consider the play in performance by looking at recent film and television adaptations. Participants will need to have read the play prior to attending the course. All-comers welcome.