THE Dolman Theatre presents one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies, Much Ado About Nothing, from April 7th to 12th. It's set in Sicily where Don Pedro, Prince of Aragin has recently defeated his half brother Don John in a military engagement.

Apparently reconciled, they return to the capital Messina as guests of the governor's army that falls in love with Hero, the governor's daughter, whom Don Pedro woos on his behalf.

The play's central plot shows how Don Pedro maliciously deceives Caludio into believing that Hero has taken a lover on the eve of her marriage, causing Caludio to repudiate her publicly at the altar.

Don Pedro's deception is offset by a parallel plot in which Hero's cousin Beatrice and Benedick, friend of Don Pedro and Claudio, are tricked into acknowledging first to themselves, and then to each other, that they are in love.

Clearly the words of a sonnet sung in the play Men Were Deceivers Ever were never more true! But be assured it all ends happily for the lovers. Performances start at 7.15pm except Friday which is at 7.30pm.

Tickets £7 Tuesday to Saturday Monday Adults £5.50 OAP and Unemployed £4.50 Students all week £4.50.

Available from the Visitor's Centre, Newport Library, John Frost Square or from the Dolman Theatre box office on the night.