“I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.”
Beatrice, Much Ado About Nothing
“Why you tryna boss me around like you my master.”
Lady Gaga, Telephone (ft. Beyonce)
It’s Sicily. The 1950s. There are unwritten but iron rules of behaviour – a focus on family pride, vendettas, and the notion of male honour.
Against this backdrop, we witness the sweet, forthright love of Hero and Claudio, alongside Benedick and Beatrice’s sizzling battle of wits.
There is Don Pedro’s gleeful plotting to spark a romance between Beatrice and Benedick; a cruel hoax contrived by Don John to plant suspicion, dishonour Hero and spoil her marriage to Claudio; and a surprising reversal as Beatrice and Benedick are compelled to join forces with a vengeance.
John Bell directs this exuberant comedy with a lightness of touch and a fantastic cast, including Toby Schmitz as Benedick and Blazey Best as Beatrice.
Though the festive atmosphere is tinged at times by the slightly sinister elements of mistrust, spying, eavesdropping and gossip, ultimately the sun shines through in this feel-good production.
Director, John Bell says:
“Each of Shakespeare’s comedies has a unique charm; to my mind Much Ado About Nothing is the most earthy and warm-hearted. Here there are no enchanted forests or amazing coincidences, just the hammer and tongs of gender politics with all their attendant rages and hilarity.”
Sprezzatura - rehearsed spontaneity, studied carelessness, and well-practiced naturalness – is ultimately cast aside as the characters learn what they will and won’t do for that capricious and often elusive state of love.
This is Bell Shakespeare’s third production of Much Ado About Nothing, following productions in 1996 and 2000.
SYDNEY
8 Apri l – 14 May
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE
DRAMA THEAT RE
BOOKINGS: 02 9250 7777
OR SYDNEYOPERAHOUSE.COM
CANBERRA
19 May – 4 June
CANBERRA THEAT RE CENTRE
THE PLAYHOUSE
BOOKINGS: 02 6275 2700
OR CANBERRATH EAT RECENTRE.COM.AU
MELBOURNE
9 – 25 June
THE ARTS CENTRE
PLAYH OUSE
BOOKINGS: 1300 182 183 /
THEARTSCENTRE.COM.AU
OR 1300 723 038 /
TICKETMASTER.COM.AU