Kenneth Branagh Seigneur Benedick Director, Actor, Screenwriter, Producer Emma Thompson Beatrice Actor Denzel Washington Don Pedro of Aragon Actor Keanu Reeves Don John Actor Michael Keaton Constable Dogberry Actor Robert Sean Leonard Count Claudio of Florence Actor Richard Briers Seigneur Leonato Actor Kate Beckinsale Hero Actor Gerard Horan Borachio Actor Richard Clifford Conrade Actor Brian Blessed Seigneur Antonio Actor Patrick Doyle Balthazar Actor, Original Music Jimmy Yuill Friar Francis Actor Imelda Staunton Margaret Actor Phyllida Law Ursula Actor Ben Elton Headborough Verges Actor Edward Jewesbury Sexton Actor Andy Hockley George Seacole Actor Chris Barnes Francis Seacole Actor Conrad Nelson Hugh Oatcake Actor Alex Scott The Boy Actor Alex Lowe Messenger Actor William Shakespeare Writer Stephen Evans Producer David Parfitt Producer Roger Lanser Cinematographer Andrew Marcus Film Editing Tim Harvey Production Design Martin Childs Art Director Phyllis Dalton Costume Design Pam Dixon Casting