Much Ado About Nothing

Venturing into the Shakespearean world has many interesting facets and challenges but this can also be said to apply to all productions undertaken. However, the works of the bard hold a special place in literature and the stage itself. This is not only because, in some places and hearts, it’s held reverently, but simply that the writing has everything that performers and audiences need and want from entertainment and a good storyline of course. So it’s always pleasing to see a society take up the reins of these great plays and indeed your choice of Much Ado.

Setting the scene with period music and an open stage was a positive introduction for this tale of love finding its true course, no matter the age of the recipients. You decided to keep the costumes as close as to the traditional as possible which is always a lovely touch since in modern dress, unless the conveyance is understood, it can be a slight distraction. Having the stage open and relatively minimalistic is an intriguing prospect (I find personally invigorating), and with the back projection of various locations an aid for audience members reinforcing the scenes thus avoiding any confusion. Generally the movement and staging of the characters worked well with no noticeable blocking issues. Lighting reflected the mood and atmosphere created which can be
overlooked but always an important factor in any production so care must always be taken. Use of the auditorium, for me, is a pleasing acknowledgement of awareness that a stage and prosarch can sometimes form a barrier. Dispensing with this, it opens a satisfying conveyance and opportunity to direct thoughts and reactions immediately to an audience. This was utilised with effect and amusement lifting the performances to an extra level.

Of course within any tale we have to share the emotion and journey of the characters, as they search for the truth behind their lives portrayed, the audience has to laugh and sometimes suffer, the highs and lows which is a challenge especially in a comedy. With the large casting as you managed to source and achieve, the next factor is the chemistry and believability of those fortunate to portray these wonderful roles. Everyone characterised themselves into the moment and there was the sense that the events unravelling held an importance, as it should. Beatrice and Benedick showed their metal to each other, Hero and Claudio their rollercoaster entanglement and ‘The
Watch’ hitting a unique comedic patter which was so expertly written into the script. There was more besides including live music and choreographic movement. The dancing I felt needed just a little more positivity by those involved but nevertheless a welcomed added ingredient. Entrances and exits at times lacked some energy but overall the dialogue was clearly understood with the diction prominent. The language itself was well handled, not an easy task but the job of the actor remember, is to deliver text with the intention behind each word and sentence. It is a weighty undertaking so congratulations to all for the hard work throughout the rehearsal period and indeed
those hours of line learning.

I certainly hope that all involved, enjoyed their ‘Much Ado’ experience. The director, can I feel, be very happy by the effort and from what I saw, the conviction achieved by each individual. A pity there weren’t more in the audience but don’t let this put you off from the prospect of another Shakespearean production in the future.

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