ALL’S FAIR in love and war – or so the saying goes – when at times of intense passion or conflict, rules of conduct can be dispensed with, and anything is acceptable.
Of course, this approach can lead to a fair amount of chaos.
And so it is in one of Shakespeare’s most performed comedies, Much Ado About Nothing, which can be seen this week and next at Wokingham Theatre.
In an idyllic town recovering from war (in this production, Kent, just after the end of WW2) you might think fighting was over, but where two pairs of lovers are concerned, Cupid has only just picked up her bow and is armed to the teeth.
In this comic exploration of romantic liaison, Hero and Claudio at first appear to show how it’s done by falling in love almost the minute they meet.
Beatrice and Benedick, on the other hand, make no secret of the fact that they loathe each other.
One wedding is in the bag – another is most definitely not on the cards.
But Cupid (or friends playing Cupid) and a villain or two, roll up their sleeves to meddle with romance, and manage to upset both apple carts.
What ensues is a delightful mix of comic squabbling, deception and sniping, filled with games, pranks and plots.
Director Alan Long said: “Much Ado is my favourite Shakespeare comedy, partly for personal reasons.
“In 1998, playing Benedick in a Reading Abbey open air production, I found myself acting opposite a very talented and attractive Beatrice.
“Life followed art, we were soon a couple, and we’re still together twenty seven years later.”
The story opens with a VE Day celebration, partly to reflect this year’s 80th anniversary of the end of WW2, and to allow the company to include wartime music, performed by a trio of ‘Andrews Sisters’.
It also makes it possible for mischief-managing members of The Watch, a group of bumbling night watchmen, to be affectionately portrayed as the Dad’s Army corps.
“Finding uniforms for the RAF, the army, Land Army Girls, vicars, spivs, ‘Andrews Sisters’ and period civillian costumes for a cast of over twenty has been quite a challenge for wardrobe,” said Alan.
Building a mansion with castle parapet, heavy stone benches, and statues has also presented the team with a few head scratching moments.
But the result is a production filled with light hearted Shakespearean fun to end the theatre’s season of plays.
For those unfamiliar with the bard – don’t worry, the company lifts the original text off the page with joy and ease, making the story accessible and engaging.
Much Ado About Nothing can be seen at Wokingham Theatre, from Thursday, July 17 until Saturday, July 26, with the exception of Sunday.
Tickets cost £16, and doors open at 7.45pm, with the theatre bar available from 7pm.
For information and tickets, visit: wokinghamtheatre.org.uk
