| |
 |
| |
"On its opening night, apart from the sex war being waged on stage, the company also had to do battle with the capricious weather conditions. That it kept our attention, even engaged our sympathies, and emerged victorious, says everything for director Caroline Gordon, composer Stephen Kingsbury whose music is memorable, and the ten-strong cast.
If there are medals to be handed out, then they should surely go to Ann Courtney and Nicholas Gasson who, as Beatrice and Benedick, fight the good fight between the sexes with all their might; Claire Worland who makes the most of her role as the governor's daughter and is, in every sense, a Hero; and Stephan Drury as the rope-entangled, odorous Dogberry.
Led from the front by this valiant foursome, and fortified by a generous dose of "Carduus benedictus", this is a production which brings down the curtain on the Minack's Summer Season 2000 with style, while sending you home happy with a "Hey nonny nonny".
THE CORNISHMAN 14.9.00 |
|
|
| |
Much Ado About Nothing (William Shakespeare) |
|
It is 17th Century Europe. The story begins with Don Pedro, the Prince of Arragon, and his companions and brother arriving at the estate of Leonato, the Governor of Messina. They are returning victorious from the wars and are in the mood for reveling.
Claudio, the Prince’s favourite, falls in love with Hero, the daughter of Leonato. She is a fine and wealthy match and Don Pedro decides to woo Hero for Claudio. He teases Benedick as well, suggesting that he, too, should find a wife. Benedick will have none of it. The Prince and his court cannot resist this challenge, and so set about to trick Benedick, the eternal bachelor, and Beatrice, Leonato’s niece and a shrewd spinster, into falling madly in love.
All is not merry-making, however. The Prince’s illegitimate brother, Don John, is bitter at his treatment by the Prince and his court. On hearing of the plan, he decides to poison Claudio’s budding relationship by planting suspicion and jealousy.
The play is not just a story of quick wits and sharp humour. It is a story that reflects on the nature of love, reputation and social manipulation.
|
| |
|
|
Cast and Crew |
| |
|
|
Nicholas Gasson:
Benedick
Ann Courtney:
Beatrice
Stewart Alexander:
Don Pedro
Steven Digby:
Claudio
Claire Worland:
Hero
Malcolm Kimmance:
Leonato
Stephan Drury:
Don John / Dogberry
Philip Steward:
Borachio
Suzanne Webb:
Margaret
Mark Lancaster:
Verges / Friar
Caroline Gordon:
Director
Duncan Corrall:
Stage Manager
Stephen Kingsbury:
Composer
Sue Warren:
Wardrobe
Ann Courtney:
Choreographer
Duncan Corrall:
Masks
Paul Warren Graphics:
Poster Design
|
 |
|
|
