Much Ado About Nothing

To be perfectly honest I am not someone who goes out of their way to watch a Shakespeare play.  That said, the Monastery Gardens is a rather magical setting, so even if The Bard is not usually your cup of tea it’s still possible to watch a production and have an enjoyable evening’s entertainment, as I had discovered on two previous occasions.  Unfortunately this year on the day I was scheduled to go along and review the production, rain forced the company to move inside. However, the society was fortunate that the neighbouring church had been made available for just such an eventuality, so the show could go on.

The play revolves around two sets of lovers.  Beatrice and Benedick who spend most of their time in complete denial, and Hero and Claudio who want nothing more than to be together but appear destined to be kept apart by false accusations of Hero’s unfaithfulness.

The Director had chosen to set the action in a frontier town in America’s Wild West sometime in the 1870’s and with the script appropriately “localised”, I think it worked well.   The simple set, complete with a saloon door across the entrance to the chancel, was that of Leonato’s saloon.

The society has some very experienced actors. There were superb performances from Nancy Jones as Beatrice and Sean Burke as Don Pedro. Both really lived their characters, relishing every word demanded of the script.  Richard Pink as the theatrical Benedick was on top form, declaring himself a carefree bachelor, despite his love for Beatrice.

Antonio is Leonato’s elderly brother and although Amanda Green acted the role well and was suitably costumed,  I would like to have seen her made up to look older, perhaps with the help of some false facial hair or plenty of “stubble” rather than what appeared to be a drawn on beard.  

Kerry Wheeler was a perfect Hero and a good performance by Jack Stevens as Claudio.  Hero’s waiting women were well played by Cat Quigley as the rather bawdy Margaret and Charlotte Pritchard as Ursula.

Doug Sheppard as Leonato was initially difficult to hear and he appeared to be rushing his words.  Fortunately this improved and he went on to give a credible performance.  It was though marred on occasions when he turned his back towards the audience while addressing another character. This and his tendency to put his hand to his mouth whilst speaking meant the dialogue was sometimes lost.   

A good solid performance from Paul Winspear as Don John and an excellent piece of character acting by Sally Fenton as Reverend Francis. Stooping over a stick and with just the right amount of animation, she was every bit the kindly Friar of the script, hatching a plan to bring Claudio and Hero back together.

A mention here for Juliet Richards and Rachel Leung as Sheriff Dogberry and Deputy Verges who together with The Watch produced some good comedic acting.

This was a very enjoyable and well costumed production. My congratulations to everyone involved and thank you for inviting me.

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