Much Ado About Nothing - National Youth Theatre

Much Ado About Nothing - National Youth Theatre description

Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy play by William Shakespeare. It was written around 1598 and appeared in the playwright's First Folio published way back in 1623. It might be 400 years old, but the humour and the banter are just as sharp as they were back then.

The play is set in Messina, following two romantic couples who get together when a group of soldiers arrive in town, returning from war. Claudio and Hero's love affair is almost derailed by false accusations of affairs aimed at Hero by the villainous Don John. The second romance, Claudio's friend Benedick and Hero's cousin Beatrice, is also a rocky ride, and their witty repartees are the source of much of the fun.

What's the story of Much Ado About Nothing?

As the title suggests, this play is about the fuss people manage to cause about absolutely nothing. And it is genuinely hilarious. Good old Shakespeare. This time around the old story has been given a fresh new twist, structured around today's TV world of gossip, matchmaking and manipulation. No wonder theatre tickets for Much Ado About Nothing are predicted to be in serious demand.

When Claudio and Hero fall in love, they're keen to get married. The evil Don John slanders Hero, lying about her being unfaithful. The wedding is ruined. Poor Hero faints and her family pretend she's dead from the shock of the false accusations. Don John's wicked plan is revealed. Claudio mourns Hero's death but then everyone realises she's alive after all. Will Don John be punished? Will the lovers marry?

Who is on the Much Ado About Nothing creative team?

Josie Daxter, a National Youth Theatre alumna, has created magic with The PappyShow and Complicite. Now she's directing this playful love story. Thanks to her, Shakespeare's play has been given a delightful new twist and audiences are going to love the results, as some of the nation's best young talent make it their own for a 10th anniversary NYT REP Company production.

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Playing at Duke of York's Theatre (venue info)

Performance Times for Much Ado About Nothing - National Youth Theatre