Ellen Terry as Beatrice in Much Ado at the Lyceum Theatre, London, 1882

The Elizabethan excess of the costume suits the contemporary style of the play. HMR

"Much Ado" at The Star Theatre, New York, 13th November, 1884: "In person Miss Terry is an ideal Beatrice, and her voice so rich and expressive, imparts the proper emphasis to the lively bantering of the early scenes, and gives rich color to the succeeding passages of sympathy and love. This performance is also remarkable for its symmetry, and it is so full of important bits of detail that it is worthy to be pointed to as a model for younger actresses. What could be more perfect and delightful in its way than Miss Terry's conduct during the playful scene with the two old nobles in Act I. and how charming that unexpected disclosure of Beatrice's true nature at the betrothal of Claudio and Hero. The restless nature of the actress seems to be congenial to the character of this many-sided woman; and her impetuous utterance, her swift and graceful movements are most effective in such passages as the interview with Benedick after the insult to Hero." New York Times, 14th November, 1884.