So I went to a little open-air theatre to see the Pantaloons’ production of “Much Ado About Nothing” at Godinton House.
I think this one’s probably my favourite Shakespeare comedy, as The Tempest may well be my favourite more serious piece. I was brought up on the film version with Denzel Washington (one of Keanu’s most lamentable roles. I like the guy, but a Shakespearean he ain’t. Isn’t. Oh, who cares.) and still find the interplay between Benedict and Beatrice the most fabulous, true stuff ever written.
“Why, i’ faith, methinks she’s too low for a high praise, too brown for a fair praise and too little for a great praise: only this commendation I can afford her, that were she other than she is, she were unhandsome; and being no other but as she is, I do not like her…”
Gotta love ya, Benedict. Anyhow. This production. For a start I love outdoor theatre, especially if you’re allowed to bring a hamper and sit on the grass. The company numbers five, in colour-co-ordinated outfits that may have come from Gap. The adaptation allows access for the Facebook generation and also those who remember Cliff Richard. It was supreemely funny and very well acted, swinging from high farce (Dogberry & co, anyone?) to deep emotion (Left at the altar by Claudio! Ohnoes!) Children over the age of seven will be able to enjoy this as much as hardened literati.
Oh, and I have one last thing to leave you with. What rhymes with petunia?
…”Baboonier”, of course.
