Much Ado About Nothing

William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is presented by EGL353 Acting and Producing for the Stage as part of their coursework. Playing for a short season, in Murdoch’s lovely Nexus Theatre, it is a chance for students to showcase what they have learnt. 

In this course students both produce and perform in the show, undertaking backstage and on-stage roles. Students make and source materials for set design, music, costumes, props, programs as well as managing publicity, stage management and all other areas of production.

In 2023, for the first time, course co-ordinators have integrated eco-theatrical requirements. All props and costumes in Much Ado About Nothing were second-hand and repurposed. Students constructed stage materials, such as set dressing, from recycled and upcycled materials. Dozens of origami flowers were created from old scripts to decorate the stage by actress Lauren Daniels, with other flowers created from recycled water bottles. The production proudly claims that all their energy usage is offset through carbon offsetting and biodiversity restoration programs. 

The set and costumes look great, with the costumes being a fun eclectic mix of eras and the setting well-constructed, attractive, and well-used.

Being a student production, there is a clear mix of experience and ability, and limited numbers mean that doubling (and a guest artist) is needed to fulfil the cast requirements. Opening Night there were a couple of nervous stumbles, and a few actors were a little difficult to hear, but this did not seem to affect the audience’s enjoyment. At times this production is delightfully self-aware and initiatives including contemporary and well-known music and bringing an audience member up on stage to make up numbers, were fun for both audience and cast.

Berlin Brownlee is an excellent Beatrice with lovely fire, in a cheeky, relaxed, and warm portrayal. She is nicely matched in Shane Keefe, a Benedick with lovely swagger and charm. Di Smiles makes a strong and promising stage debut, stepping into breeches to play Beatrice’s Uncle Leonato with lovely authority.

Lauren Daniels pulls off a unique doubling playing handsome and self-assured Prince Don Pedro, and the extremely different serving woman Margaret (necessitating multiple very fast changes - especially in this shortened staging). Also mastering challenging and unusual doublings were Jasmine Decke, sweet as Hero and good fun as Verges, and Blake Davies, earnest as Claudio and clowning as Oatcake.

Peter Evas was a unique Don Pedro, with Eva South serving nicely as his villainous offsider Borachio. Brodie Atkinson brings beautiful voice and comic flair to Balthasar and Dogberry, while guest performer Joel Sammels is excellent as Friar Francis. 

The production features a student Stage Manager - Meg McClare.

A worthy celebration of a Semester’s learning Much Ado About Nothing was being very well received by its audience.

Kimberley Shaw.