June 12, 2007
The first night of Much Ado about Nothing in St John’s beautiful Crocus Gardens was sheer delight. Produced by students, most of whom were finalists, the play was largely rehearsed over only three weeks. Nevertheless, it was a thoroughly professional production and was delivered with great maturity and a lot of extremely well-timed humour.
Chris Suckling gave a particularly notable performance as Benedick and showed that he was able to be both superbly funny and gravely serious. Guy Westwood made a particularly convincing Leonato and Jenny Pick’s Beatrice was searingly sarcastic and punchy as well as just a little bit vulnerable. Lucy Jackson as Ursula was beautifully coy and giggly and some wonderful moments of humour were provided by Will Robertson and Ben Galpin as Antonio and Dogberry.
Accompanying the play was a small musical ensemble featuring acoustic guitarists and helping to infuse it with a Spanish flavour, also reflected in the hand-made Spanish skirts and the dances. These last were delivered with slightly less confidence than the acting, but they were well choreographed and provided a vehicle for more flirtatious humour from the cast.
All in all, director Rachael Williams and producer Gabriella Hood have done a wonderful job. The actors were clearly enjoying themselves and performed with an enthusiasm which communicated itself to the audience. A good time was had by all and this play comes thoroughly recommended.
Chris Suckling gave a particularly notable performance as Benedick and showed that he was able to be both superbly funny and gravely serious. Guy Westwood made a particularly convincing Leonato and Jenny Pick’s Beatrice was searingly sarcastic and punchy as well as just a little bit vulnerable. Lucy Jackson as Ursula was beautifully coy and giggly and some wonderful moments of humour were provided by Will Robertson and Ben Galpin as Antonio and Dogberry.
Accompanying the play was a small musical ensemble featuring acoustic guitarists and helping to infuse it with a Spanish flavour, also reflected in the hand-made Spanish skirts and the dances. These last were delivered with slightly less confidence than the acting, but they were well choreographed and provided a vehicle for more flirtatious humour from the cast.
All in all, director Rachael Williams and producer Gabriella Hood have done a wonderful job. The actors were clearly enjoying themselves and performed with an enthusiasm which communicated itself to the audience. A good time was had by all and this play comes thoroughly recommended.