A FULL-scale Shakespeare with dazzling Elizabethan costume may seem like overkill for the confines of the Other Space studio but director Sue Colverd and her team have produced a winner.

The verbal sparring of the acidic lovers Beatrice and Benedick is superbly handled by Fiona Ross and Dan O'Brien, counterpointed by the charm of the young couple Claudio (Craig Rogers) and Hero (Aimee Thomas).

While the play's humour is beautifully extracted, the dark sub-plot of Claudio's unjust rejection of Hero is ruined by the clownish pantomime villainy of Don John (Grant Nicholson) and Conrade (Tim Benton) which denies the dichotomy of Shakespeare's magnificent text.

It is also sad to see the immortal comic Dogberry played by a woman (Justine Marriott). However worthy her efforts, the pompous constable is irredeemably male and much was lost in his scenes.

However, the overall effect is delightful, with a clever, multi-purpose set and exquisite music and dance.

Review by BY STEVE EVANS