Farce of
the gossips
Much Ado About
Nothing
Newcastle People’s Theatre
Until 14th March
2015.
This possibly is William
Shakespeare’s most popular comedy and Newcastle’s Peoples Theatre has produced a wonderful show that shows
off the bards work to great effect.
Set
in a Mediterranean style set, designed by Sands Dobson and Peter Harrison, this is a
story of gossiping neighbours. The hiding behind pot plants in order to eavesdrop
on conversations and trying to not be noticed often gave the show an almost farce-like
feel.
Much
Ado About Nothing is a rom-com that has quite a modern feel. It looks at how
couples can have their fledgling relationships disrupted by a combination of
friends who think they are doing the right thing and jealous types causing trouble.
Moving the 16th century play into the 1950s works nicely.
The
two central couples in the story are performed by four fantastic young actors
who gain in stature with each production that they perfom in at this theatre.
Craig Fairbairn is highly amusing as Benedick and it is entertaining to see him
chase the often cynical Beatrice. Shakepeare has written a strong female role
for Beatrice and Sara Jo Harrison has star quality in this pivotal role. Craig
and Sara Jo were often able to grab the audiences’ attention as they discussed
their private thoughts.
Alex
Blenkey grew in stature as groom-to-be Claudio whose journey with his future
bride Hero is the talk of the town. Emma Jane Richards is charming and
quickly develops the audiences’ empathy in her role as Hero. Jake Wilson Craw
is great in the comedy as he created chaos through his gossiping in the first
half.
The
cast brought the dialogue to life, making this an accessible production for
those who are new to Shakespeare. He did have a tendency to use 6 words when a
modern playwright would just use a couple. The delightful flavours of his text
were given there opportunity to shine.
A
real strength of the direction given by Peter Harrison and Tony Childs
is that the pace was able to be maintained by the flow of the action. As soon
as one group finished the next was ready. The action didn’t have to pause for
the arrival of some props. The costumes range from very smart to fabulous
which, when coupled with the set design, help raise the show from ordinary to
delightful.
There is plenty to love
in this entertaining romp and it is a great introduction to the playwright’s
work.
This
review was written by Stephen Oliver for Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com).
Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo
on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo
Original
Jowheretogo Preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/preview-much-ado-about-nothing-at.html
Tickets:
Much
Ado About Nothing
Tuesday
10 to Saturday 14 March 2015, 7.30pm
The
People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF
£13.50
(Concessions £11)
Box
Office: 0191 265 5020 www.peoplestheatre.co.uk
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