Much Ado About Nothing

As an amateur drama group based in the World-famous Stratford Upon Avon I admire Second Thoughts for performing works of the town’s most well-known person when the RSC is just a mile or so down the road. Despite this they were able to deliver an excellent production of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’.  

Much Ado About Nothing is believed to have been written by William Shakespeare in 1598 and 1599. It tells of Benedick and Beatrice who are tricked into confessing their love for each other. Meanwhile Claudio is also tricked but this time into rejecting Hero under the belief that she was unfaithful to him. The play ends well for the two couples.

The play was set in the present. The stage set was minimal and consisted of several large photographs of landmarks in Stratford Upon Avon and garden trellises one either side. On entering the auditorium, the audience were met with members of the cast playing the part of Stewards. From the offset they were rather ‘jobs worth’ and at times ‘acted out’ the role of rather rude and insulting officials – great fun and an excellent start to the evening.

There was a large cast comprising of 17 actors some of whom played a small number of different parts. Each of the actors gave us competent performances. It was evident the whole cast had considered their role and ensured they took the audience with them to enable audience members, if unfamiliar with the plot, understood the action.  

There were some particularly noteworthy performances. John Conod was excellent as Benedick while Stephanie Jepson as Beatrice gave a performance which was clear and believable. There were confident performances from Tom Pedley as Claudio and Lily Robson as Hero. I must also mention Jane Grafton who also gave a convincing performance as Leonata.  Villain of the piece – Don John was ingeniously played by Graham Tyrer.  His body language as well as spoken words came over as suitably sinister without over doing it.     

There were some changes to the set involving the movement of furniture and the unveiling and covering of the garden trellis.  These changes carried out primarily by the actors were slick. Between scenes were heard suitable and fitting music and, in addition, we heard live music and singing on stage. Movement and dancing were well choreographed and flowed well. All these additions to the action  helped with the overall production and setting the scene.

This production was well done, and the director and the production team should be pleased with the results.  

I always enjoy a visit to Second Thoughts – even on a very hot summer evening. Thank you for your welcome and was good to be able to speak with some cast members after the performance. I now look forward to the World Premiere of ‘Time Masons’ written by another local playwright in October 2018.

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