All's Well That Ends Well (Shakespeare's Globe)

William Shakespeare's 1605 play All's Well That Ends Well bears two unusual distinctions that go hand-in-hand: in addition to arguably being the most popular of his comedies, it also breaks many of the conventions that he had carefully established in that genre in prior years. The story concerns the ardor that Helena feels for the conceited Bertram. When the young woman performs a miraculous deed for the French king, she claims Bertram as her husband in recompense. Bertram agrees - but only given the fulfillment of two conditions that seem close to impossible. This 2012 production stars Ellie Piercy as Helena, Sam Crane as Bertram and Janie Dee, winner of the coveted Olivier Award, as The Countess of Roussillon.