Much Ado About Nothing

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www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au

Date Reviewed: 23/02/2024

The Australian Shakespeare Company has revitalised "Much Ado About Nothing", staged at the enchanting Melbourne Botanical gardens by blending original rock-pop music and ballads into the 16th-century text. Watching this show in nature, with the infusion of catchy rock tunes brought an intensity and zest to the comedic, classic play while still honouring the richness of its text and meaning.

Just like the original Shakespearean productions that graced the outdoor Globe theatres, the Australian Shakespeare Company knows how to create magic under the stars. For 35 years, they have been staging productions that embrace the elements of nature. The early English poetic language, with its rhythmic patterns, metaphors, and rich imagery, is elevated by the sounds of nature, the swaying of trees, and the gentle descent of the sun. The company's experience in bringing these enchanting performances to life in outdoor settings truly shined through by transforming a part of the southern cross lawn into an outdoor amphitheater. The box office and a bar were conveniently located, so you could grab some snacks and drinks to enjoy during the show. You could choose premium seats with low, fold-out chairs near the stage, or bring your own seat like a picnic rug and cushions. For those who brought their own fold-out chairs, there was a designated area at the back of the lawn. And to ensure good visibility, the stage was elevated. It was a setup designed to make sure everyone had a great view and a comfortable experience. 

The attention to detail in the outdoor setup was excellent. Every element on the stage had a purpose and added to the overall experience. From the vibrant stage lights to the clever props like the roadie shipping crate, a bar, and second floor, everything enhanced the storytelling. The actors used these props to hide and eavesdrop on different conversations. The lighting and sound quality was superb with only a few minor sound glitches here and there. It all came together to create a truly immersive and captivating performance. 

"Much Ado About Nothing" seems as though the play is about nothing at all, and that is kind of the point. Shakespeare cleverly explored the idea of making a big fuss over trivial matters and the consequences that can arise from it, challenging the idea of what was truly important and highlighting the absurdity of creating drama out of nothing. 

The story revolved around two main couples. There was Beatrice, a sharp-witted and independent woman, and Benedick, a clever and witty gentleman. They used their sharp banter as a defence mechanism to hide their true feelings of deep love for each other and to shield themselves for fear of being vulnerable. It was a delightful and entertaining part of the play to watch how their interplay transformed into something more genuine and heartfelt. 

Then we there was Hero, a sweet and innocent young woman, and Claudio, a passionate and impulsive young man. They fell in love and planned to get married. However, a series of misunderstandings and deceptions orchestrated by the evil, yet seductive Don John threatened to ruin their relationships. The choice of costumes for Don John, tight black leather mini-dress and ankle boots added an intriguing layer to the character who symbolised a sense of power, darkness, and mystery. Performed to perfection, the complex, dark natured villain gave a sense of allure.

Speaking of costumes, they were cleverly designed, creating a modern aesthetic without forgetting the origins of the play. The costumes incorporated elements from the past using luxurious fabrics like silks and velvets, featuring doublets, embroidery, and embellishments. Yet, costume combinations included corsets and miniskirts, opulent velvet jackets, silk shirts and leather pants, adding a contemporary twist reminiscent of what people would wear to a rock show or concert. The costumes were also used as metaphors. For example, Hero’s outfits matched her character with soft, flowy fabrics and light colours representing purity. This combination of different eras created a visually striking and dynamic experience, perfectly complementing the unusual blend of the play with a rock-pop musical score.

Now back to the story... so just when things looked completely gloomy, Dogberry and Verges managed to uncover the truth about Don John's evil plot. They helped restore love and harmony. These two characters were the faithful and comedic security officers who ensured law and order on stage and with the audience. They created an atmosphere of fun from the start of the show where they made sure everything was in order by running a soundcheck on-stage and ensuring all phones and cameras were switched off by patrons. They had a cool vibe and looked like roadies with wild, shaggy hair, black jeans and t-shirts. They instantly built rapport with the audience so that each time they would come on stage, people were pre-conditioned to anticipate something humorous soon to come.

 

Photo © Ben Fon

The actors were genuinely engaged on stage and with the audience through words, body language, gestures, and facial expressions, fully giving themselves to their characters. The story included some unexpected cultural references bridging the gap between the past and the present, making the play more relatable and engaging, creating a sense of connection and relevance.

This production is great fun! It runs in Melbourne until the 17th of March. Highly recommended.

CAST + CREATIVE TEAM

BENEDICK Hugh Sexton

BEATRICE Anna Burgess

CLAUDIO Alex Cooper

HERO Larissa Teale

DON PEDRO Johnny Light

DON JOHN Nicole Nabout

BORACHIO Elizabeth Brennan

CONRADE Heath Ivey-Law

LEONATA Natasha Herbert

ANTONIO Kevin Hopkins

MARGARET Meg McKibbin

DOGBERRY Madeleine Somers

VERGES Tony Rive

DIRECTOR + ADAPTION Glenn Elston

MUSICAL DIRECTOR Paul Norton

COSTUME DESIGN Karla Erenbots
 

Reviewed by Irena Begelfor