Given that this comedy doesn’t boast the most illustrious representatives of the human race (in plain English, they’re all pillocks), I had little difficulty enjoying this jolly romp which is driven by trysts of varying fortunes.
"I had little difficulty enjoying this jolly romp which is driven by trysts of varying fortunes."
Simon Lewis
Enter the manipulative warrior Don Pedro, a role into which Charlie Overs injected considerable spark, who is determined to queer the pitch for star-crossed lovers Claudio and Hero. Allow room for his schemes to fester, garnish with some delightful music, dance and funereal effects, and leave it all to simmer for two hours, ensuring that all the predictable matrimonial tangles are finally sorted out.
Director Kim Jones, who also starred as a delightfully divine Beatrice, crafted an interesting interpretation on one of the Bard’s more lightweight yarns. Performed in a curiously elongated theatre-in-the-round fashion, which made for some very drawn-out exits, with soldiers and courtiers in serried ranks and attended by virginal heroines draped in white, there was plenty to engage the ear and eye.
Much Ado About Nothing at the Guildhall
David Ratty shone as Don John, Bob Roberts was a dependable anchor as elder statesman Leonato, whilst James Tamblett oozed presence as the watchful Dogberry whose ventriloquist trickery providing much amusement. Barnaby Eaton-Jones as Benedick, however, simply illuminated the entire presentation, especially during his forthright confrontation with Beatrice.
Such solemnity of mood certainly prevailed at times; the candlelit scenes towards the end were particularly atmospheric. In the meantime, the dialogue was occasionally indistinct or enunciated clumsily; Shakespearean English requires considerable mastering if it is to sound convincing.
Some extra impact in the earlier scenes would have served this production well, especially if it is to appeal to the average school audience. For all that, the interest and entertainment value were largely maintained. More ado to come from Offstage, I hope.
This article is user-generated content (i.e. external contribution) expressing a personal opinion, not the views of BBC Gloucestershire.
