Review: Much Ado About Nothing at Newcastle People’s Theatre

Farce of the gossips

Much Ado About Nothing

Newcastle People’s Theatre

Until 14^th March 2015.

This possibly is William Shakespeare’s most popular comedy and Newcastle’s Peoples Theatre has produced a wonderful show that shows off the bards work to great effect.

Set in a Mediterranean style set, designed by Sands Dobson and Peter Harrison, this is a story of gossiping neighbours. The hiding behind pot plants in order to eavesdrop on conversations and trying to not be noticed often gave the show an almost farce-like feel.

Much Ado About Nothing is a rom-com that has quite a modern feel. It looks at how couples can have their fledgling relationships disrupted by a combination of friends who think they are doing the right thing and jealous types causing trouble. Moving the 16^th century play into the 1950s works nicely.

The two central couples in the story are performed by four fantastic young actors who gain in stature with each production that they perfom in at this theatre. Craig Fairbairn is highly amusing as Benedick and it is entertaining to see him chase the often cynical Beatrice. Shakepeare has written a strong female role for Beatrice and Sara Jo Harrison has star quality in this pivotal role. Craig and Sara Jo were often able to grab the audiences’ attention as they discussed their private thoughts.

Alex Blenkey grew in stature as groom-to-be Claudio whose journey with his future bride Hero is the talk of the town. Emma Jane Richards is charming and quickly develops the audiences’ empathy in her role as Hero. Jake Wilson Craw is great in the comedy as he created chaos through his gossiping in the first half.

The cast brought the dialogue to life, making this an accessible production for those who are new to Shakespeare. He did have a tendency to use 6 words when a modern playwright would just use a couple. The delightful flavours of his text were given there opportunity to shine.

A real strength of the direction given by Peter Harrison and Tony Childs is that the pace was able to be maintained by the flow of the action. As soon as one group finished the next was ready. The action didn’t have to pause for the arrival of some props. The costumes range from very smart to fabulous which, when coupled with the set design, help raise the show from ordinary to delightful.

There is plenty to love in this entertaining romp and it is a great introduction to the playwright’s work.

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo

Original Jowheretogo Preview: http://nomorepanicbutton.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/preview-much-ado-about-nothing-at.html

Tickets:

Much Ado About Nothing

Tuesday 10 to Saturday 14 March 2015, 7.30pm

The People’s Theatre, Stephenson Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE6 5QF

£13.50 (Concessions £11)

Box Office: 0191 265 5020           www.peoplestheatre.co.uk

Review: Perfect Wedding at South Shields Customs House

‘Men are all the same’

Perfect Wedding

The Customs House

Wed 10th  - Sat 13th September

Many a wedding can turn into a farce but Perfect Wedding decends into a nightmare for the bride in this brilliant comedy.

The happy couple have decided to book the one venue for the stag do, the reception and for their first night together. The groom, Bill, wakes up on the morning of his wedding in the wrong room sleeping next to a woman he doesn’t recognise. As he tries to cover up his actions he end up dragging the chambermaid, his best man and his girlfriend into a web of comic situations in order to keep the bride and her mother in the dark in this Robin Hawdon written play.

The groom, Bill, is a physically challenging role, skilfully handled by Craig Richardson. Craig Fairbairn as his best man Tom is convincing as a mate who is dropped in it. These two have a good onstage chemistry and deliver their rapid exchanges with comic timing. It is great to see, under Gareth Hunter’s direction, a number of strong female roles. Kylie Ann Ford got many laughs as the chambermaid Julie as she held the higher moral ground.

Rebecca Blake did a cracking job on her first post-university role as the groom’s girlfriend Judy whilst it was easy to empathise with Rosie Winter’s character as the poor bride Rachel who is caught in the middle.  The Bride’s Mum, Daphne, also got a number of laughs as she tried to take control, Viktoria Kay helped keep the tempo high in the second half as the grooms cover up became exposed.

Perfect Wedding is a delightful farce and this is the perfect cure for the September blues. 

This review was written by Stephen Oliver for Jowheretogo PR (www.jowheretogo.com). Follow Jo on twitter @jowheretogo, Stephen @panic_c_button or like Jowheretogo on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Jowheretogo 

Tickets:

Ion Productions’ Perfect Wedding runs at The Customs House from Wednesday 10 to Saturday 13 September at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee on Thursday, September 11.

Tickets are £13 or £11 concessions and are available from the box office on 0191 454 1234 or by visiting www.customshouse.co.uk