Reviewed by Noisette, a local theatre goer
The Royal Shakespeare Company's new production of Much Ado About Nothing is a feast of brilliant Mediterranean colour, music and poetry.
 The play moves briskly and seamlessly through twists and plots, bringing pleasure, humour and thoughtfulness at every turn.
 | Ìý | Noisette
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Gregory Doran and a very fine team put on a vivid performance full of light, sound and laughter.
The scene is set in Messina Sicily in the 1930s and the show captures the atmosphere perfectly. From its sun-drenched "wide screen" set designed by Steven Brimson Lewis, to its swirling, hand-clapping finale, the play moves briskly and seamlessly through twists and plots, bringing pleasure, humour and thoughtfulness at every turn.
| Ìý |  | Dogberry (Christopher Benjamin) extends the long arm of the law
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The spiky, reluctant but enduring relationship between Beatrice and Benedick, is beautifully balanced by the smitten, love-struck courtship of Hero and Claudio. Lines like this strike home powerfully:
"Thou and I are too wise to woo peaceably."
The magic really crackles thanks to outstanding performances by Harriet Walter as Beatrice and Nicholas le Provost as Benedick.
In all it is a splendid event which you leave feeling a little wiser but a lot happier - an unusual feat.
| Ìý | Noisette
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The audience watches enthralled as the characters are at first startled and then humbled by the realisation that they are indeed in love.
Gary Waldhorn's Leonato is a splendid creation, well paced and emotionally involved to a nicety, whilst Don Pedro under Clive Woods' expert handling becomes an obvious delight to be shared with the audience.
The poetry of the play, so well carried throughout, is frequently echoed by Terry John Bates' clever choreography, Paul Englishby's music and Julian Jensens' singing. They focuss the gaiety or sombreness of the moment with great effect.
The outstanding achievement of this production is the degree to which the audience is engaged. It is such an interactive experience that several times I felt myself drawn to stroll over to the café and order a bottle of the local rosso!
In all it is a splendid event which you leave feeling a little wiser but a lot happier - an unusual feat.
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