Theater review: Much Ado About Nothing (Moving Parts in St Paul’s Church)

This open-air production of Shakespeare’s lively comedy Much ado about nothing is almost a musical version, but generally a straightforward interpretation in the evocative setting of St Paul’s, the Actors’ Church in Covent Garden.

The film opens with some audience participation, as maid Margaret (Katrina Michaels) pursues musician Borachio (Will Benyon) to the chorus of “Marry Me.” This story develops into a tale of love and betrayal.

Don Pedro (Ryan Williams) has returned triumphant from a conflict in which he lost “few (men) of any kind and none of renown.” His companions, who take the stage in suits and sunglasses, are Benedick, Claudio and Don John (Andy Cannadine).

The first is a bit teased by Beatrice, the niece of the house of Leonato (Keith Hill), the second tries to woo the daughter and heir Hero (Thissy Dias), and the last shows a villainous nature.

All the performances are excellent, but Beatrice (Joanna Nevin) and Benedick (Martin South) make an excellent comic duo who hate and don’t love each other, while Claudio (Lewis Jenkins) gets along well.

There are moments of intimacy and concealment that Simona Hughes has orchestrated well for the grassy space, surrounded on three sides by benches for the audience.

The church bell on the hour adds colour to the scenes with the men on the watch. The sound of the street musicians and the music of the pedal rickshaws adds a competing but never unwelcome colour. Outside, anything can happen.

This version of Much ado about nothingdoesn’t necessarily need songs though. If it did, I thought it would be wise to add a few to enrich the story.

It is not easy to ignore the play’s misogynistic elements: Claudio and her father quickly suspect Hero of being unchaste and reject her.

To then be happy that he gives in and marries her feels wrong in modern times. It would be better if she turned heel, but that’s another game!

Yet this production is right to up the ante in that it takes the farce even further (the police officers are a feast for the eyes, as is Hill’s Leonarto) and revolves around the duplicity of watching and waiting.

Moving Parts is run by Hughes, Nevin and South and is assured of staging, sound and, well, Shakespeare. I look forward to seeing what they choose next. A Twelfth Night can be delicious?

You can watch this production from Much ado about nothing during the tour’s final stop at Keats’ House, London, at 2pm and 6pm on July 27.

Follow Moving Parts and read more about this and future productions on their website.

****

Imagery: Moving Parts – Instagram