One of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies, Much Ado About Nothing, follows two parallel love stories. The sharp-witted Beatrice and Benedick delight in a battle of words while young lovers Hero and Claudio become entangled in a malicious plot that threatens to destroy their happiness. Packed with mistaken identities, deception, romance and some of Shakespeare's finest comic writing, the play remains a timeless exploration of love, pride and forgiveness.
Even before the performance begins, visiting Shakespeare's Globe is a magical experience. The history of the venue, the uniqueness of the theatre itself and the opportunity to spend a warm summer evening in one of London's most distinctive spaces all contribute to the sense of occasion.
This production immediately embraces the Globe's strengths. Audience interaction is woven throughout the evening - actors move amongst the crowd, stand shoulder-to-shoulder with people in the stalls, speak directly with individuals and react spontaneously to unexpected audience sounds. It keeps things lively and playful.
The play's comedy lands particularly well. The audience is invited to share in the farce from the outset, becoming co-conspirators in the misunderstandings and deceptions that drive the plot. The scenes in which Benedick and Beatrice attempt to "hide" while eavesdropping on conversations are especially clever. The staging leans into the absurdity of the situation, generating genuine laughter while showcasing the performers' physical comedy skills.
Beatrice (Pippa Nixon) and Benedick (Ken Nwosu) are beautifully cast and matched, with both performers capturing the characters' intelligence, confidence and vulnerability. They have great chemistry and are both very charismatic and dynamic performers. Richard Katz as Dogberry is another standout, alongside Os Leanse as Verges, who together create a hilarious and endearing pair.
Director Chelsea Walker has created a wonderfully physical production. From the cast's heightened physicality and athleticism to the addition of choreographed dance sequences, Walker finds numerous ways to inject energy into the play.
A live band led by Zands Duggan proves a valuable addition, providing underscoring, enlivening scene transitions and accompanying a delightful song-and-dance sequence that becomes one of the production's highlights.
Associate Set and Costume Designer Greta Dietz has delivered glorious costumes that are cool and glamorous. Particularly effective are the striking animal-head designs, which feel perfectly suited to both the production and the Globe's aesthetic.
A multi-level set provides height, variety and endless opportunities for comic business. The cast appear from multiple entrances throughout the theatre and frequently enter through the audience itself. This creates a sense of spontaneity and immediacy and serves as a reminder of how effective Shakespeare can be when performed in the environment for which it was originally written.
This is Shakespeare exactly as it should be experienced: lively, funny, dramatic, and completely engaging, brought to life by an exceptionally talented cast.
It runs until 24 October.
Review: Lola Phillips Photos: Marc Brenner