Bell Shakespeare they performed "Antony and Cleopatra", which toured to Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne, "Julius Caesar", which as the 2018 National Tour travelled to 27 venues across Australia, and "The Misanthrope" which played in Sydney. Their 2019 season includes an adaption of "The Miser" and the 2019 National Tour "Much Ado About Nothing", with one more show still to be announced. One of the Company's artistic goals is "to use Shakespeare as Australians", and Bell Shakespeare is well known for using contemporary styles to make Shakespeare accessible for modern audiences. Founded by John Bell in 1990, Bell Shakespeare began as a theatre
Much Ado About Nothing (1993 film) of the humor, the performances, and Branagh's lively direction, of which he wrote, "This film cements Branagh's status as a great director of Shakespeare, and perhaps of film in general, as well." Conversely, Peter Travers of "Rolling Stone" wrote the film a negative review, praising some moments as "invigorating fun", but ultimately calling it "overripe." Most of the negative criticisms focused on particular casting choices, notably Keanu Reeves as Don John, and Michael Keaton as Dogberry. For his performance in the film, Reeves was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor, where he lost to Woody Harrelson