Much Ado About Nothing Review
By Jake Freeman
One of Shakespeare’s most critically acclaimed pieces of work is now being retold with plenty of modern nuances. Much Ado About Nothing, potentially the oldest and most famous romantic comedy in the English language returns to Melbourne for a limited season.
It is a Wednesday evening at The Summer at The Southbank Theatre. As I make my way to my seat, the first thing that I noticed is the unique set design. In the very middle of the stage sits a large two-storey frontage with a second-storey balcony. The entire façade is a blue-tinged design of Pamela Anderson’s face that was famously attached to the front of the St Kilda home of The Footy Show co-host, Sam Newman. It already sets the theme and humour of the show. The curtains legs are also removed, exposing both wings of the stage. Costume racks, props, changing areas, technical staff, equipment, and other waiting cast members are in full view.
Much Ado About Nothing is set in Messina in the late 16th century and revolves around two romantic pairings that emerge. The first, between Claudio and Hero. The second, between Claudio’s friend Benedick and Hero’s cousin Beatrice. Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into confessing their love for each other and Claudio is tricked into believing that Hero is not a virgin. There is a lot of eavesdropping on the balcony above with schemes to either unite a couple who vow to never love and the other following a more conventional love story.
The play is made up of eight actors, most of whom also play multiple characters with different accents and costumes (20 characters in total). Leading the way was Alison Bell as Beatrice and Fayssal Bazzi as Benedick. Both had a strong stage presence and excellent chemistry together. By far, the main standout was Julie Forsyth, who was both memorable and often had the biggest laughs on opening night in every scene she was in. Julie played Ursula, one of Hero’s two gentlewomen who helped orchestrate Beatrice into falling in love with Benedick. Julie also portray Dogberry, the clownish, self-important chief constable of Messina, whose humour comes from his misuse of language, as he uses big words incorrectly while trying to impress others. The costume design by Karine Larché, was an interesting choice; a hybrid of outfits of Shakespeare’s time to the present day.
Although an interesting experience, there is much tinkering and interpretation of a classic story, Much Ado About Nothing, making it accessible for a contemporary audience. It was just as well that I was somewhat familiar with the play. For others not familiar, it will be a struggle to follow as the play weaves in and out, very quickly between the Shakespeare’s version and the version of Mark Wilson, the show’s director. The cast alternates between the Shakespearean dialogue and accents to modern day Australian slang, which although entertaining at first, was hard to understand as some of the cast mumbled their lines.
With Much Ado About Nothing, there is hopefully something for everyone to enjoy. It is a true testament to the timeless quality of the story that it can be understood, appreciated and enjoyed in 2025 and beyond, just as it did when it was written back in the 1500s. It will appeal to those who studied Shakespeare and enjoy modern and quirky adaptations, and theatregoers who just seek an entertaining night out.
Much Ado About Nothing isnow playing for a limited season until and including Friday 19 December at The Sumner, at Southbank Theatre, a short walk from Flinders Street Train Station. It is directed by Mark Wilson and is produced by The Melbourne Theatre Company. It stars Miela Anich as Hero/ Borachio/Ensemble, Fayssal Bazzi as Benedick, Alison Bell as Beatrice, Syd Brisbane as Leonato/ Ensemble, Julie Forsyth as Ursula/Dogberry/Ensemble, Remy Heremaia as Claudio/Ensemble, Chanella Macri as Margaret/Bastard/Ensemble and John Shearman as Prince/Ensemble.
This production contains mature themes, sexual references, references to and depictions of violence, and the use of dynamic sound and flashing lights. It is only suitable for mature audiences. To learn more about Much Ado About Nothingand purchase tickets, go to Much Ado About Nothing | Melbourne Theatre Company
