Much Ado About Nothing

Published Monday 23 April 2007 at 15:10 by Peter Grant

Set in the aftermath of VE Day, this production grabs attention the moment you enter the theatre with a gloriously-inventive set by Christopher Wood. It takes the audience to, among other places, a stately home were post battle bunting and celebratory banter go hand-in-hand.

Director Phil Willmott has worked on more than 40 productions around the country and he clearly knows how to deliver Shakespeare that is both magical and accessible.

It is a play with a sharp sense of fun, colour and slapstick, but with a bit of shade and light, too. The Second World War is over, but a war of words rages on throughout fast-paced work.

The seemingly reluctant lovers Beatrice and Benedick delight with some acute timing, as with Hero and Claudio’s relationship. Love conquers all as this accomplished ensemble cast provide all the emotional ammunition with sheer enthusiasm and versatile performances.

Simon Merrells as Bendick is compelling with his witty asides to the audience and Sally Ann Triplett as Beatrice who is his ally in the “merry war” show marvelous chemistry.

Ruth Everett’s Hero and Stephen Billington’s Claudio are outstanding strong leading players and much humour is provided by Stephen Boswell’s Dogberry and the scout troop who manage to add some energetic horseplay.

Like Kenneth Branagh’s joyous screen adapation, this productoon is nicely-paced and beautiful to look at. The sets are magnificent, switching from leafy outdoors to a very atmospheric church sequence. Marie Jones period costumes are striking and lighting designer Hansjorg Schmidt excels in creating mood swings as frequent as the Bard’s barbs in the mouths of his characters.

This is a vibrant lively production you can not help but fall in love with from start to rewarding end. A great do all round.