Joy Watters reviews a production with a company 'firing on all cylinders'.
Dundee Rep joins the celebrations for the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death with its production of his well-loved romantic comedy.
Much Ado is best known for the witty and wounding war of words between Beatrice and Benedick and its serpentine skirmishes before true love emerges. Of course, it is a much more complex work than that, and in director Irene Macdougall’s intelligent production, the darker side of the work is equally highlighted.
Designers Ken Harrison and Mike Robertson have created a warm Mediterranean setting with a stage that reaches into the audience, drawing them into the action.
Benedick (Robert Jack) returns from war, full of himself with plenty of insults for Beatrice, declaring that he will always be a bachelor. As the couple is tricked into discovering their true feelings, Jack comes into his own. With wonderful timing, an unending range of hilarious facial expressions and physical comedy, he shows Benedick’s descent from thinking man into total confusion.
Previously wronged by Benedick, Beatrice tries to cope with her new feelings. In the role, Emily Winter rather underplays the intelligent feminist nature of Beatrice, only building up power when she demands the death of the man who wronged her cousin Hero.
Meanwhile, Jo Freer, a valuable new addition to the ensemble, gives Margaret, the feisty maid, a fine comic reading.
Young lovers Hero and Claudio (Marli Sui and Ewan Somers) are the Babes in the Wood of the piece, divided by poisonous rumours.
Much Ado is interspersed with dances with music by John Harris aptly portraying the merry dance the protagonists are leading each other.
The 12-strong ensemble is firing on all cylinders, often playing straight to the audience, to celebrate the Bard.
Performs at Dundee Rep until June 25.
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