Rugby Theatre takes on The Bard
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare at Rugby Theatre, Henry Street from 19 - 26 September 2026. Directed by Ashley Hirons.
Review by Ann Evans
Hats off to the Rugby Theatre for tackling Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. This tale full of gossip, mischief, lies and deception is in a nutshell about two couples, one pair, Hero (Jennifer Pratt) and Claudia (Eleanor Derrick). This character would have been Claudio in Shakespeare's original play. They are in love and want to marry. The other couple are Beatrice (Emma Marshall) and Benedick (Karl Smith) who loathe one another, and keen to remind each other of that!
This famous Shakespeare play gets much of its humour from the fast-talking witty remarks and insults this pair throw at each other; each trying to out-do the other in the strength of the insult.
Of course, in Shakespearean language nothing is said in a straightforward manner, everything is wrapped up in colourful, wordy dialogue and a multitude of metaphors. Both Emma Marshall and Karl Smith handled this quick-fired banter perfectly, which could not have been easy. And while declaring to dislike one another intensely, when a trick is concocted making both Beatrice and Benedick believe the other one loves them, it’s not long before they battle and banter their way to the altar. Some very funny scenes in between times, as they try to overhear what others are saying about them.
Meanwhile, there’s a more malicious plot afoot to wreck the wedding plans of Hero and Claudia. The villainous Don John (Tim Sell) tricks Claudia, into believing Hero has been unfaithful the night before their wedding. Claudia is so upset he publicly shames Hero in front of everyone at the wedding. She is so distraught she collapses. Her family tell everyone she’s died presumably to make Claudia feel even worse and to buy time to salvage Hero’s reputation.
It does the trick and Claudia as a penance agrees to marry Leonato’s niece - Leonato is played by Darren Pratt. Only when Claudia lifts her veil at the re-arranged wedding ceremony does he see that it’s actually Hero, alive and well. Fortunately for Claudia and Leonato, Hero is a very forgiving woman and holds no grudge against her father and fiance for condemning her so quickly, and joyous scenes ensue.
The play sees William Shakespeare at his best in coming up with tales of confusion, mistaken identity and mischief. The cast handle the elaborate and poetic Shakespearean style of speech really well.
Good performances from all the cast, not least from the Watchmen, especially the hilarious Dogberry (Robert Sloan). Fellow watchmen were Tim Sell, Nicholas Tombs and Milo Reast who had a very nice singing voice. Debbie Hibberd played a strong and outspoken Antonia, Jess Weale played Dona Petra – Don Pedro in the Bard’s play, who takes a leading role in concocting the lies around the two couples. Not forgetting Borachio (Christopher Allen-Mason) a lively character who jostles along with Conrade (Malread O’Kelly). Good acting also from Hayley Bird as Margaret/Watchman; Marie Phillips as Verges, Gill Pratt as Usula/Sexton and Julie Woods (a servant).
The set had a real medieval feel to it and the costumes were amazing. Also, the singing and dancing made for a pleasant interlude especially the harmonies at Hero’s 'funeral’ scene which were lovely.
Much Ado About Nothing is on at Rugby Theatre until 26th September. For tickets please call 01788 541234, email: box.office@rugbytheatre.co.uk or go to: www.rugbytheatre.co.uk
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