Much Ado About Nothing - Grads

Mon, 10 Mar 2008, 10:43 am

A Rambling Review by Alicia Smith.

Once again Stephen Lee brings us a little known Shakespeare and presents it with infectious delight.

We went to see it on Saturday night, and you would think that after 7 straight performances you would start to see some cracks. But no, the acting was fast paced and energetic, and at times the audience were in tears of laughter.

It's an interesting play and one I haven't seen before, except for the 1st third of the Brannagh version. While being primarily a comedy, there's a really dark thread that runs through it partway, which is an interesting contrast.

Mr Lee has set this in the 1920's, in keeping with the original play's post war scenario, people are looking for relaxation and diversion - and the role of woman in society is being questioned. The jazz score works beautifully, highlighting the beauty of the flapper and other costumes. Lovely clothes.

The wedding scene is played very sensitively, it is very emotionally charged...

This is chiefly a comedy though, and there are some scenes...particularly the Benedict (David Gregory) under the table scene.

This is a play that really ought to be better known, and this is the production to introduce you to it. Actually, I wish this had been the play I'd been made to study to death, instead of Hamlet. It's a lot more accessible to a modern audience, and the interplay between the characters, Claudio (Chris McInnes) & Hero (Perfectly cast the sweet Sara Young), Beatrice (Wonderfully played by Julia Dalby) and Benedict particularly, the tricks and shennanigans.

As well as the darker consequences of the brooding, bitter, Don John's actions make for great drama. I like the touch of Don John's (Rodney Vermeij) little toy, you'll know it when you see it. It really added something and was quite startling. Has someone finally solved the problem of giving actors something to do with their hands?

And then there is the wonderful proto-Inspetor-Clouseau where Shakespeare's mastery of language and Dogberry's (Grant Malcolm's) delivery is superb and quite hilarious. Mrs Pinns (Joanne Williams) of the Neighbourhood Watch's arrest technique is something to look out for.

If you wanted to introduce kids to Shakespeare, you could do worse than this one, I was sitting next to a young teen, and she was rapt, so it wasn't just me.

I can't mention everyone, because I'd just go on and on, but there was some very interesting interplay going on in the backgrounds that was more than worth a second glance, and as this is a play about rumour and gossip, it's very appropriate. Esmerald Rocha, as Conrade the reporter is worth keeping an eye on, and is really expressive without even saying a word.

This production is well worth seeing, and at the New Fortune, it's being seen as it was in Shakespeare's time and it's all good really.

You may still see it on the 11th through to the 15th of March, at The New Fortune Theatre at UWA.

Sitting at the side is good viewing if you can manage it.

This review can also be read at the lympago forums as well as at Alicia's livejournal.

Alicia draws for a living at Alicia Smith Artworks - Wonderful Things

Didst thou laugh?

Tue, 25 Mar 2008, 11:10 am

StuartP

Unfortunately it's been awhile since I watched the production so I can't recall too many details to really comment. But I remember as not much of a shakespeare person I was able to keep track of what was going on and had a few good laughs. I think I would have to agree that Kate and Barry are in the minority. I would suggest Kate, that it might of been necessary to 'shout' the lines to ensure that everyone in the theatre could hear them. No roof, multiple levels of seating, people scattered around... I imagine making sure you're heard is a challenge. But, I didn't feel that all the lines were 'shouted'. And Alan, I think anonymous posting is important. As much as many people disagree with the views expressed by our two negative posters, they are entitled to their opinion. And while anyone involved in the production should take their opinions with a grain (Or a tablespoon) of salt, it's important for people to be able to air their views. If you start restricting posting to members only I believe you'd find far less reviews in general, positive or negative. We humans are a sloth like race and the effort of signing up will deter many of us. =) Anyway, enough ranting. Well done to the cast and crew. A fine performance in my opinion. Loved in particular the man with the moustache who shaved in the name of love. The "zombie chef" turned watch was lovely, as was the rest of the watch actually. Dripping with character. Kate and Barry, perhaps if you decide to "review" again in future you could try to be a bit more constructive and a little less offensive?

Thread (14 posts)

Threaded Flat

Much Ado About Nothing - Grads— leecetheartist10 Mar 2008

oops-— Antonia R17 Mar 2008
I would just like to say— Walter Plinge23 Mar 2008
- And I'd like to say...— Grant Malcolm23 Mar 2008
- Finally! Someone who sees— Walter Plinge24 Mar 2008
Interesting to note— alanm24 Mar 2008
Didst thou laugh?— StuartP25 Mar 2008
Finally! Another Pretentious Twit!— David Gregory25 Mar 2008
Interesting— Logos25 Mar 2008
Hasty departure?— Tim Prosser25 Mar 2008
My apologies— David Gregory26 Mar 2008
- Stephen Lee is a jerk.— Walter Plinge26 Mar 2008
bycott this website— Daniel Kershaw29 Mar 2008
- More boycotts— Grant Malcolm29 Mar 2008

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