There’s much to talk about and sing the praises of in Bell Shakespeare’s production of MUCH TO DO ABOUT NOTHING.

MUCH TO DO ABOUT  NOTHING focuses on the trysts  and repartee between the witty Beatrice, niece of Leonato, and the equally witty Benedick.

The action takes place in Italy in the city of Messina. Leonato is expecting a visit from the Prince of Aragon, Don Pedro, who is returning from the wars with Claudio and Benedick.

Claudio has fallen in love with Leonato’s daughter’s Hero. Benedick  disapproves and says that he will die a bachelor. Don Pedro agrees to woo Hero but Don John, his malevolent brother,. decides to cause trouble.

At a masquerade ball Don John manages to persuade Claudio  that the prince is wooing Hero for himself. Claudio believes it and suffers from melancholy.

Don John intends to thwart Claudio’s marriage by persuading him that Hero is untrue. At the church Claudio refuses to marry Hero. What ensues is a tale of lies, intrigue and deception..

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING is a fine  production directed by James Evans who called the play a hybrid, a great mix of comedy and drama.

The play is about many things. Love, honour, misunderstandings, marriage, respect and reputation, pride and loyalty, guilt, the need to make difficult choices, separation, reunion and reconciliation.

Comic scenes abound in the play, entertaining audiences. There’s the scene of Benedick, hiding behind pot plants, eavesdropping. Beatrice makes the wry comment that the Count is as civil as an orange.

In Act 2 one of the watchman says ‘we would rather sleep than talk’ and exits on a scooter.

When Benedick sings in Act 2 Margaret says he is pitiful and he says he was, ‘not born under a rhyming planet.’

Pip Runciman’s set and costume designs are effective.  The set comprises a curtain with foliage designs, plants and four seats which are taken away and added to through the play. At the masked ball there are fairy lights which are a highlight. The costumes are contemporary, making it easier for audiences to identify with.

Andree Greenwell’s soundscape  is another highlight and there are songs throughout the play including a memorable finale.

Zindzi Okenio  as Beatrice and Duncan Ragg as Benedick have  good chemistry and a good rapport on stage.

Vivienne Awosoga is gentle as the wronged Hero and colourful as  Conrade.

Danny Ball played Don Pedro, the Prince Of Aragon and the First Watchman  competently.

Marisa Bennett  was well cast/suited the roles as Hero’s attendant and police constable Verges

Mandy Bishop  played Dogberry, the other constable and Balthasar, a singer (showcasing a very fine voice) and attendant on Don Pedro.

Will McDonald played Claudio, Hero’s suitor, very stylishly,  and Borachio, a follower of Don John.

Suzanne Pereira played Antonio, brother of Leonato, and Sexton, a judge.

Paul Reichstein was very credible as the trouble maker Don John and the second watchman.

David Whitney impressed as the patriarch, Leonato, father of Hero and Uncle of Beatrice.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING is a . play of substance and is highly recommended.  The play is being performed at  the Playhouse at the Sydney Opera House until Sunday 24th November, 2019.

https://www.bellshakespeare.com.au/whats-on/much-ado-about-nothing/

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