No Fear Shakespeare: Much ado about nothing
Paul Hikari for Leonato
A respected, well-to-do, elderly noble at whose home, in Messina, Italy, the action is set. Leonato is the father of Hero and the uncle of Beatrice. As governor of Messina, he is second in social power only to Don Pedro. He loves his daughter very much but he's quick to believe the bad things others say about her. He's welcoming and caring for both Beatrice and Hero, and a good, caring friend of Don Pedro. He should have a deep voice, but still able to sound vivid and cheerful.
(welcoming Don Pedro) You are never trouble to this house, your Grace. It’s comforting when trouble departs. But when you leave, you take happiness with you and leave sorrow in its place.
(talking to Beatrice, a bit teasing) Really, niece, you’ll never get a husband if you keep saying such harsh things about people.
If they have spoken the truth about Hero, I will tear her apart with my bare hands. But if they have accused her falsely, even the greatest of them will have to deal with me.
