BUY, beg or steal a ticket to see Much Ado about Nothing at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre which is a joy from start to finish.
Gregory Doran who directed this marvellously life-affirming production must now surely be a front-runner for the position of artistic director of the RSC following Adrian Noble's shock resignation.
Written in the mid to late period of Shakespeare's career, the play opens in Sicily, as troops return from fighting. But although the real hostilities are over, another, a battle of the sexes is only just beginning.
Benedick is a confirmed bachelor. Leonato's niece, the feisty Beatrice, declares herself equally determined to remain unmarried and the two spar. Young Claudio, on the other hand, has fallen in love with Leonato's daughter, Hero. But the resentful Don John determines to destroy the love match.
Sensitively updated to the 1930s and attractively staged, the comedy is beautifully paced and nuanced with Nicholas le Provost and Harriet Walter outstanding as Benedick and Beatrice among a first-rate cast. Special mention too to Christopher Benjamin, a terrific Dogberry. The music is a delight. PW
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