Set in the sultry summer heat of Laurel Canyon, the Edinburgh University Shakespeare Society’s production of Much Ado About Nothing situates the comedy in a free-love fuelled haze of hippie, and music culture. Having seen the society’s production of Taming of the Shrew last year, it is clear that aestheticism and a visual aim for the production is a top priority. The set design team certainly delivered in providing an immersive backdrop that reflected the lush and, at times, gaudy luxury of the setting, and Alex Dunlop, Bea Fitz, and Paloma Leigh-Stephenson’s costumes were highly effective. The decision to style the angst-ridden Don John and his not-so-merry band of misfits as British punk inspired antagonists perfectly contrasted the flares and fur-clad leads.
Benedict Harrison delivered a standout performance as Benedick, showcasing his comedic timing in fast-paced, witty back and forths with the equally well cast Beatrice, played by Verity Mann. Though the leads were undoubtedly impressive, the brilliance of the cast really shone through the chemistry of the ensemble. Eric Parker oozed charm as Don Pedro, and his “bandmates” Claudio and Balthazar (Rider Hartley and George Laing) were completely believable as best friends and bandmates.
Dylan Kaeuper’s portrayal of the Friar was a fan-favourite performance, and one which was made especially hilarious amidst the intensity of Hero’s (Francesca Carter) accusation and on-stage breakdown.
Music was a key, regularly employed element of the performance. The on-stage band was an effective touch, and one which helped to further immerse the audience in the setting. Though the show’s runtime was perhaps slightly long for some audience members’ attention spans, the humour and language of the play were very accessible, no doubt due to Madeleine Brown and Marina Funcasta’s direction.
Image courtesy of @lucas.macnair via EU Shakespeare Society