Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is given a fresh new makeover in Tom Wentworth’s exciting adaption inventively directed Paul Hart, who has a wonderful, playful cast whose energy and pace is effervescent.
It’s played out on the back sound stage of a 1940s film lot, beautifully designed by Ceci Calf, filled with film cameras, cinematic equipment and full of surprises. The back of the stage is filled with huge distressed metal panels that when backlit become see-through, and vignettes are performed in the style of silent movies. A clever touch. The cast also change the 2D storybook painted flats to create the various locations with precision.
Performed by an exceedingly versatile ensemble, they embrace the era with glamour, finesse and love. There is much comedy, hilarious slapstick and glorious jazz music scored by Robin Colyer and impressively played by the actor-musicians.
Included are such classics as "When I Fall in Love", "I Can’t Give You Anything, But Love" and "It Had To Be You", delightfully sung by Priscille Grace, playing Margaret, in sultry '40s cabaret style.
Don Pedro, in a forceful performance by Jack Quarton, has returned victorious from the wars with Claudio (Fred Double), a successful, handsome young soldier who is promised to marry the vulnerable Hero (Thuliswa Magwaza). Patrick Bridgman as her father and Governor of Messina brings gravitas to this role with a strong stage presence.
However, the cunning Don John, played in this gender-swapping role by Augustina Seymour, is determined to thwart their marriage.
James Mack’s blustering, boasting Benedick is absolutely hilarious, particularly when his face is covered in blue paint and he gets electrocuted by a studio light. However, Katherine Jack as the sharp-witted Beatrice is an ideal foil to his tomfoolery.
Hayden Wood as Dogberry is hysterically funny with perfect comic timing and delicious malapropisms, ably assisted by his sidekick Leigh Quinn as the members of the watch, dressed as movie policemen. They even enlist members of the audience to help them, much to everyone’s amusement.
This is an inspired production that makes for a joyous evening’s entertainment.