OBSERVER: Much Ado About Nothing
Upon entry to the Sumner Theatre a white scaffolded double storey building centre stage greeted us; its total façade virtually covered by a pale blue replica of Sam Newman’s early 2000s infamous Pamela Anderson wall.
In designer Anna Cordingley’s set, complimented by Katie Sfetkidis lighting , everything was visible – voyeurism suggested?
Voyeurism satisfied, as we delved deep into the antics of men, women, love and social mores centuries ago, but now looked at through modern eyes and the wit weaponry of protagonists Beatrice (Alison Bell) and Benedick (Fayssal Bazzi).
We began with fatigue-clad young soldiers returning from successful forays, ready to celebrate a few days’ R and R at the Duke of Messina’s palace.
But his niece Beatrice, a firmly opinionated young woman, loved nothing more than to exercise her mental acuity, particularly when men, including the equally opinionated Benedick were nearby. Let battle commence … !
The audience marvelled at the sparring protagonists’ clear delivery of Shakespeare’s poetic language while simultaneously the Duke’s (Syd Brisbane) sweet daughter Hero (Miela Anish) and soldier Claudio (Remy Heremaia) became totally smitten and agreed to marry immediately.
Enter mischief and betrayal.
Wilson’s eclectic style production, fully exploiting his multi talented cast’s skills, offered us a hilarious night of body language, gestures, gymnastics, slapstick, parody … there was much ado about everything as tragedy was averted, and two happy marriages were engineered after many mishaps.
The production burst with entertainment – virtually instant character transformations, Brechtian like costume changes, pantomimic villains, drama and melodrama.
The cartoon-like bedroom deceit cameo brilliantly displayed the fabulous costume vision of Karine Larche.
The pace and energy of the unravelling love plots were extraordinary, and earned well deserved standing ovations on Opening Night.
One must highlight the comedic ensemble work of Julie Forsyth, Chanella Macri, Miela Anich, Remy Heremaia, John Shearman and Syd Brisbane – all six also playing specific plot roles.
Melbourne Theatre Company Performance Season: Until December 19 at The Sumner, Southbank.
Bookings:mtc.com.au/plays-and-tickets/whats-on/season-2025/much-ado-about-nothing/
Review by Maggie Morrison
Pictured: Alison Bell (Beatrice) and Fayssal Bazzi (Benedick) in Much Ado About Nothing. Photo: Gregory Lorenzutti