Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing is one of the most often performed Shakespeare plays in Perth in recent years, and it is interesting to ponder its popularity. Is it the familiarity of an outdoor lifestyle in rural Italy, or its strong female heroine? Darlington Theatre Players’ production makes the most of both of these elements, in an intelligent production with strong production values.

A beautiful outdoor setting, with a lovely, tiled floor, as designed by Jake Newby (who also designed the lighting), frames the action nicely. Gorgeous costumes, created especially for this production by a team led by Kathryn Wackett and Marjorie De Caux, are particularly helpful in establishing era and characters – from Beatrice and Hero’s exquisite gowns through to the dark and foreboding clothing of Don John.

Leading couple Beatrice and Benedick give us a mature romance with a good splash of silliness and immaturity. Jenny Howard is, as always, very strong, and her Beatrice is both likeable and believable with wonderful passion. Andrew Govey, playing his first Shakespearean role, brings charm and command of language to Benedick.

Thomas McCracken, with swagger and confidence, is every bit a matinee idol style Claudio (despite his character’s deplorable treatment of Hero), with Rebecca Hayward a very sweet and sympathetic Hero.

Jeff Watkins is princely and commanding, very likeable as Don Pedro, a great contrast to Shivas Lindsay’s appropriately nasty and villainous Don John. Both sport Scottish accents (Shivas’ being natural) which helps establish them as brothers. Rob McConnell seems to relish his role as evil collaborator Borachio, with young Jack Riches completing a trio of “baddies”.

Patriarch Leonato is played with genuine warmth and admirable complexity by Mark Dyer, with Julie Holmshaw impressive as a gender flipped ‘Antonia’, now Leonato’s sister. Gavin Crane nicely fills two smaller roles, playing both the Friar and the Sexton. 

Lovely comic turns in some of the smaller roles, especially Michael Hart as Verges, Timothy Vincent as Dogberry, with Chantelle Pitt, Adrian Ashman and Georgia Stidwell providing solid support as Watchmen. Admirable support also from Kristine Lockwood as Ursula and Lauren Buckles as the misused Margaret. This cast formed a solid ensemble that worked well together throughout, creating realistic backgrounds and movement.

A quite traditional production of Much Ado About Nothing this incarnation, in traditional Shakespearean garb, included much of the dialogue often cut in contemporary productions which should please the purists. A smart little comedy with some fine performances.

Kimberley Shaw