Much Ado About Nothing (Oxford)

I have to admit, I wasn’t looking forward to seeing Much Ado About Nothing again. About a year ago, I saw a local amateur company do it in the open air. It was a dire evening; their inability to use the space or understand the language resulted in a humourless, stilted, dull production. But this time I was going to see Creation Theatre Company, and I need not have worried.

Much Ado is a tale of love and betrayal, of misdirection and misinterpretation. It contains some truly great and funny lines, but in the wrong hands, it can become almost impenetrable. In Charlotte Conquest’s production, we’re never left wondering what’s happening. Instead, Conquest gives it a freshness and life that makes it feel almost like a piece of modern comedy writing.

Tom Peters and Elizabeth Hopley are superb in the lead roles of Benedick and Beatrice, finding all the comedy (and more) of Shakespeare’s words and delivering them with a speed and energy that drives the whole play forward. While ’Kill Claudio!’ doesn’t perhaps have quite the venom it should, these are memorable, sophisticated and well-crafted performances.

In all cases, the doubling required by this small cast works. Despite some actors taking up to four parts apiece, they appear distinct and unobtrusive. Justin Webb’s Dogberry is a genuine delight. And, as always, Creation’s presentation of the language is excellent. This is verse as it should be: relaxed but clear, easily audible and very accessible.

The production is performed in the open air, using a set built around a large tree. A red acting area is set in the sand, looking like a bullring, with very simple staging around and a balcony area. Imaginative use is also made of the large area of parkland behind the stage to create entrances and off-line spaces.

But it’s the finale I shall most remember from this production. Unexpected, clever and immensely funny, I laughed out loud, not only at the time but all the way home. What did they do? I couldn’t possibly say. Go see for yourself and have a great night out.

– Robert Iles