Nottingham Shakespeare Company (NSC) is delighted to announce a FREE 90-minute open-air production of Much Ado About Nothing, set to take place in outdoor venues around Nottinghamshire in July. The production comes to The Green in Ruddington on Saturday 8th July at 2pm.
Following last year’s successful productions of The Winter’s Tale and The Comedy of Errors, NSC’s latest theatrical experience promises to captivate audiences of all ages with its laughter, romance and mischief.
A romantic comedy with old and new faces
Much Ado About Nothing is a delightful tale of mistaken identities, romantic misunderstandings and uproarious antics. Set in the Italian town of Messina, the play follows two pairs of lovers.
Emma Carlton and Christopher Collins, familiar to audiences from last year’s The Comedy of Errors, return to the company as Beatrice and Benedick, who tear into each other with witty banter while denying their affection for each other.
Hero and Claudio, young lovers facing obstacles on their path to marriage, are played by newcomer Grace Deavall and Assistant Director Alastair Fiori-McPhee, another familiar face to NSC audiences.
Amidst a whirlwind of gossip and trickery, the two pairs of lovers navigate the complexities of love, loyalty, and deception.
“Will it serve for any model to build mischief on?”
Bronwyn K. Crooks joins the company as the villainous Don John, whose schemes and machinations threaten to derail the happy ending. She’s joined by company regulars Jonathan Mansfield as henchman Borachio, and Richard Young as Hero’s father, Leonato.
The superb cast is rounded out by experienced actors Kasia Cichocka and Toni Sherwood-Pearce.
A fresh perspective
Under the direction of Michelle-Louise Wright (pictured below), NSC creates an immersive theatrical experience that appeals to both seasoned Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers to his works. Wright, known for her bold approach to Shakespeare, is committed to bringing a fresh perspective to the production while staying true to the spirit of the original text.
“Stellar talent”
Wright expresses her excitement about the upcoming production of what she calls “the original rom-com”, stating: “Our ensemble is stuffed full of stellar talent with new faces and old favourites giving amazing performances all round. Every rehearsal has me in stitches or welling up with tears in equal measure.
“So, if you want to hoot with laughter as Dogberry leads the inept watchmen, feel a chill up your spine as Don John plots his revenge, sigh as Claudio and Hero fall in love, and roar with joy as Beatrice puts cocky Benedick in his place – you can’t get better than Much Ado About Nothing, in the summer sunshine, in and around Nottingham this July!”
Accessible and engaging
NSC is dedicated to producing high-quality productions of Shakespeare’s works. The company strives to make theatre accessible and engaging for diverse audiences, particularly those new to – and perhaps reluctant to embrace – Shakespeare. Through performances, workshops, and outreach programmes, they aim to foster a love for Shakespeare in the community.
Find out more at www.nottinghamshakespeare.co.uk.