REVIEW: Much Ado About Nothing at Chichester Festival Theatre
It is possible it was written as a companion piece to Love’s Labour’s Lost. There is evidence of a lost Shakespeare play – Love’s Labour’s Won – and here Much Ado is very much sold as being this mystery play.
It is both darker and funnier than its companion and very much more sophisticated.
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Hide AdThe pivotal roles of Beatrice and Benedick are taken by Lisa Dillon and Edward Bennett – and mighty performances they are, too. The word-play sparkles and the love-hate relationship is beautifully realised and convincing.
And, as in LLL, the comic roles - here Dogberry (Nick Haverson) and Verges (Roderick Smith) with their dismal group of constables – pretty much steal it. The scene in the constables’ den as they try to interrogate a couple of reprobates is superbly conceived, directed and realised by the cast. And that clever direction – by Christopher Luscombe - takes the end of this riotous scene and suddenly twists a knife in your heart.
In both plays the costumes are superb – particularly for the women – and the multi-purpose set is rich in detail.
Catch it if you can.
Until October 29.