MUCH ADO SHOW OFF MUCH MORE
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Wednesday evening took place a-top a mustard couch next to a German physics academic, a packet of liquorice allsorts and a dear friend. With the University’s iconic clock tower lit up in the background, a full courtyard was transported to an era of societal upheaval: the end of World War II and the confusions of gender roles.
To the general Joe public Shakespeare may not be everyone’s cup, yet Director Sam Pascoe, Producer Oliver Rosser and a talented cast mastered a brew well-suited for all in AUSA’s Summer Shakespeare Much Ado About Nothing. Easily considered one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, the production draws on traditional themes of love and deceit - these are tactfully woven alongside plenty of wit to whet the audience’s appetite.
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As with most of Shakespeare’s plays the plot hangs in many moments of light-hearted waffle, as the characters consume themselves with relationships and potential lovers. In short, the play revolves around two sets of lovers to be: Beatrice and Benedick, and Hero and Claudio.
It was apparent within minutes that Beatrice (Jess Bates) and Benedick (Luke Thornborough) were perfectly selected for their lead roles, both sharp on accent and confidence they made for a delightful duo on stage. They bounced off the audience’s warm laughter and cleverly drew out the transformation from quarrelling to loving one another. Claudio is striking to watch, and held himself well as a soldier and Hero did look ever so pretty in blue, yet it was a pity her voice was barely heard past the first row.
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Aside from a rain-free evening, one of the joys of outdoor theatre is the extra space; the actors disperse in all directions – a frantic love scene above the audience on a stone wall, and Don Pedro’s marching men through the middle of the seating. This made for a more enjoyable experience, as you never knew quite what to expect. The costumes were well chosen – the dresses colourful and the army attire fitting it. It was delightful to watch the actors prance about the stage during the masquerade balls. Pascoe’s choice of staging was simple yet effective, particularly when the actors used pot plants and statues to hide behind.
Throughout the 2.5 hour show, we were well entertained by the jazz quintet playing Celeste Oram's superb musical score. And the grand finale entailed a follow-on from vocalist Alexandra Clare’s Sigh No More, as the cast vivaciously sung Shakespeare's "hey nonny nonny". This concluded a magical evening, and overall fantastic rendition of Much Ado About Nothing.
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