John Crace, creator of the Guardian’s ‘Digested Read’ column, parodies Much Ado About Nothing in a brilliantly funny reduced form, with Professor John Sutherland providing notes.

Benedick- I am man enough to say that I love thee. Is that not strange?
Beatrice- Not really… Benedick- By my sword, Beatrice thou lovest me.
Beatrice- Get over yourself

To celebrate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, this is the third of a new collection of the Bard’s greatest plays, digested to a few thousand words with invaluable side notes from John Sutherland. Funny and incredibly clever, these parodies are a joy for those who know their Shakespeare, perfect for the theatre goer needing a quick recap, and a massive relief for those just desperate to pass their English exam.