Much Ado About Nothing
Much Ado About Nothing
Much Ado About Nothing
Bournemouth Shakespeare Players Priory House Garden – Christchurch
Sandra Marsden Tue 19.07.16
As their 38th annual open-air Shakespeare, Much Ado is a fabulous comedy which was performed wonderfully by this talented society.
The widow Leonata receives news that Don Pedro and his men are returning after a campaign in which they have been victorious. Among Don Pedro’s party is Benedick, with whom Leonata’s niece, Beatrice, has history. Young Claudio meanwhile has fallen for Leonata’s daughter, Hero. The friends of Beatrice and Benedick conspire to trick them both into believing each loves the other. Don Pedro’s brother, Don John, has plans of his own and when everyone gets together for a wedding, it doesn’t go as smoothly as anticipated.
Director Daniel Sutton-Boulton has cleverly created a thrust stage and effectively simple props, ensuring that the whole performance is so easily enjoyed from all seats, although unfortunately the first night’s house was disappointingly small. Gifted a beautifully warm, sunny evening, a strong cast brought effortless humour, ensuring the comedic phrasing was delivered with appropriate gestures and facial expressions for reinforcement. Elizabeth Bal (Leonata) command great presence, with Robyn Coe (Hero) and Dawn Hollington (Margaret) shining in their roles. Jon-Michael Linsey (Benedick) and Polly Ashness (Beatrice) have perfected a believable on-stage relationship starting with sarcastic, barely tolerable friendship, developing into deep love and lasting commitment. I must also single out the confident performance of Messenger/Boy, played by the young Russel Bal.
Well done to all involved. Future performances: 20-23 and 26-30 July, all at 7.30.
