Much Ado About Nothing

Sewell Barn Theatre
Review published in the Eastern Daily Press, 11 October 2014

Stage rom-com brings the smiles

Often considered one of Shakespeare’s finest comedies with serious issues and no deaths, Much Ado About Nothing is a good choice for this talented, lively company.

Purists might argue at the decision to stage it in a contemporary media office instead of as soldiers, but it works.

The play centres around two young couples. When gossip, rumour and some comical over-hearing threaten the marriage of Hero (Sabrina Poole) and Claudio (Ben Sheridan), subterfuge by friends and family is needed.

Benedick (Joe Trewellard) and Beatrice (Laura Landamore) are tricked into confessing their outwardly denied love and all is finally well. Dogberry (Jeff Price) and his security team present some effective Shakespearian clowning.

It is a large cast and other characters support the fast-paced rom-com well. Director Luke Owen makes the best of all of them and the space to bring smiles and a sense of well-being to everyone.

A member of the audience was taken ill, which stopped the play for a few minutes. They resumed with consummate skill – a hallmark of this whole production.