Much Ado About Nothing

Synopsis

After civil war Messina seems to have returned to peace with few casualties and a courtship holds the promise of reconciling the battle of the sexes in a well matched wedding. But the reconciliation's have been too hurried and soldiers can't return to the civilian world overnight.

Our Review:

27 May 2011

The rain and clouds might have led a decidedly chilly atmosphere over Jeremy Herrin's vision of sunny Messina but there are compensations a-plenty in this slick production of one of Shakespeare's wittiest comedies.

Eve Best invests in Beatrice a fiery spirit allied to her natural wit. There's a natural reluctance to trust her instincts about Benedick - the couple's history seems to have left its mark and Best presents more of Beatrice’s vulnerability than is usual.

When the pair have finally revealed their love for each other, there's normally a palpable shift in mood but Best maintains her independent streak, shown from the outset when she refuses to dress herself up to greet the soldiers. There's cruelty too with her hysterical laughter when she rejects Ewan Stewarts plain-speaking Don Pedro.

There's little of the martial combatant in Charles Edwards' rather camp Benedick, who all too obviously relishes gossip and shares asides with the audience l...

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Latest User Review

Nicholas van Zanten - 1 September 2011:

Fabulous. Great atmosphere, great acting - great play. ...

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