Much Ado About Nothing – Duke of York’s Theatre

Love Island meets Shakespeare in this new adaptation of the celebrated play “Much Ado About Nothing”.

In this classic Shakespeare tale of love, twists and dark humour, this adaptation is a new take and one which younger audiences are sure to enjoy. The play revolves around two romantic pairings, who have found themselves on a reality TV show, ‘Nothing Island’. The typically happy couple, Claudio and Hero, find trouble in paradise when the cast conspire against them in order to provide those at home with the reality TV drama they crave. Becoming involved, unlikely pair Benedick and Beatrice, form an unlikely romance (with a little help from hearsay) fuelled with plenty of wit and banter for the audience to enjoy.

The set is particularly standout. As the audience wait for the action to commence, a dynamic screen introduces the characters in a true Love Island showreel. The lights come up, and the concept of Nothing Island is grasped. Taking inspiration from the Villa, the set is filled with a bar, bean bags, a pool and sofas perfect for being “pulled for a chat”.

The designers have embraced recreating a stage fit for purpose, incorporating a TV set and the behind-the-scenes areas. A revolving stage is used, which is incredibly effective and eye catching, but also used to reflect what happens in ‘reality’ and what happens on ‘reality TV’. This concept stays throughout the play, the cast leaning into their characters and personalities to reflect this. Summer props such as rubber swimming rings are used inventively throughout for comedic value. The characters attempt to hide themselves behind them and eavesdrop whilst being in clear view, amassing great laughs from the audience.

Lighting and sound is used effectually during the performance, crafting the stage well for the reality TV style. Bright colourful lights and spotlights created vibrant scene changes, keeping the audience’s engagement.

The dynamic and diverse cast generated the performance, the chemistry between the entire cast evident. The two leads, Benedick (Daniel Cawley) and Beatrice (Isolde Fenton), spoke in perfect iambic pentameter and their chemistry as the ‘wildcard’ couple was particularly charming and enjoyable. The runner (Olivia Ng), provided fabulous slapstick comedy, often upstaging the action. Each member did well with characterisation, despite little specific material, producing exaggerated expressions and energy on stage at all times.

This current, raucous and romantic adaptation provides a thought-provoking perspective on reality TV and relationships in modern society. The traditional Shakespeare tale remains, making for some slow moments at times but the modern twist and energy takes this play to a new level, paving the way for a new era of theatregoers.

Much Ado About Nothing is playing at the Duke of York’s Theatre until Friday 10th February, tickets can be purchased from ATG tickets: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/much-ado-about-nothing/duke-of-yorks-theatre/calendar/2023-02-07

Reviewer: Maani Way

Reviewed: 8^th February 2023

North West End UK Rating: ★★★