REVIEW: Much Ado About Nothing

The cast of Summer Shakespeare Tauranga’s latest production ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ which plays out in the street of the Historic Village until January 29. Photos: JP Joubert Photography.

‘Much ado about nothing' – an idiom which originates from the Shakespeare play that essentially means ‘to make a great deal of fuss over something trivial'.

But trust me, there's nothing trivial about Summer Shakespeare Tauranga's latest production Much Ado About Nothing. In fact, it's an absolute treasure trove with plenty to make a fuss over.

From the fine ensemble of actors and SST's polished production of Shakespeare's classic romantic comedy, to the breath-taking setting down at the Historic Village, this is a show well worth catching before the season ends on January 29.

It's a show with it all and director Pascal Tibbits, who also plays Leonato, does a marvellous job bringing the best out of the text and the actors to craft a very likeable show. There's many a moment which had me laughing, crying, cursing and loving alongside the characters.

Much Ado About Nothing follows Prince Don Pedro and his followers Benedick and Claudio who're in Messina visiting Leonato – the Duke and father of Hero and uncle of Beatrice.

During the visit, Claudio and Hero fall in love and plan to marry, and there's also a well-intentioned conspiracy to trick Benedick and Beatrice into falling for each other. But all the while, the prince's brother Don John and his henchman Borachio devise a plot to ruin the wedding.

Will Don Pedro succeed? Or will constable Dogberry and his constabulary save the day?

Ryan Wood as Claudio, Dylan Frewin as Benedick, and Fraser Graham as Don Pedro.

The standouts for me were Dylan Frewin and Gin Mabey as Benedick and Beatrice. With their razor sharp timing and wit, it was delightfully magnificent being a spectator to their verbal repartee and wonderful chemistry. I've never seen a love, albeit begrudgingly, blossom in the most hilarious manner.

My favourite find of the evening was Fraser Graham as Don Pedro. You could've set your watch to his performance as it was solid, and remarkable given it's his third show - ever. His warm strength was nicely contrasted by the suavely sinister Peter Burman as Don Jon who also gives a fine performance.

Ryan Wood as Claudio also did a bang up job and I enjoyed watching him transform from jovial and playful, to reproachful and remorseful. There's a nice relationship between him and Katy Lietze as Hero in their scenes together, the wedding scene is definitely one to watch out for.

I'd also like to make special mention of Sarah Bate as Dogberry, Lloyd Davy as Borachio and Sandra Saller as Verges who's comedic touches are the cherries on top. But really, the whole cast, from leads to supports, all are superb to watch and give their all when on stage which makes for a magic show.

Last, but certainly not least, what an inspired choice to perform on the cobblestone streets of the Historic Village – the setting alone is well worth the price of admission and looks stunning when the sun dips below the horizon and is bathed in floodlights.

Summer Shakespeare Tauranga presents Much Ado About Nothing at the Historic Village until Sunday, January 29. Tickets available online via Eventfinda.

From left: Ryan Wood as Claudio and Dylan Frewin as Benedick.

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