{"id":2301,"date":"2025-03-13T16:29:52","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T16:29:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.lancs.ac.uk\/shakespeare-and-his-sisters\/?page_id=2301"},"modified":"2026-04-14T12:15:32","modified_gmt":"2026-04-14T12:15:32","slug":"much-ado-about-nothing","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/wp.lancs.ac.uk\/shakespeare-and-his-sisters\/much-ado-about-nothing\/","title":{"rendered":"Much Ado About Nothing"},"content":{"rendered":"

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William Shakespeare\u2019s comedy, features the roller-coaster of romance for the young couple Hero and Claudio, whose happiness is tragically\u00a0 threatened by the evil plots of the villain Don John. Opposite this, the matchmaker Don Pedro works to conjure a \u2018mountain of affection\u2019 between the witty Beatrice and Benedick who declare their dislike for each other and for marriage.<\/p>\n

Our production from 31st May and 3-5 June\u00a0 2025 used the Italianate portico in Lancaster Castle courtyard and then part of A Wing to show how all-male military traditions are suddenly displaced by the codes of courtly love.<\/p>\n

You can read about the cast and ideas behind the production by reading or downloading a copy of the Much Ado About Nothing Programme (3)<\/a><\/p>\n

Actor Grace Thompson discusses playing Hero<\/a> \"\"<\/p>\n

Actor and musician Bethany Henwood discusses playing Balthasar and composing music for the production<\/a><\/p>\n

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REHEARSALS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Rehearsals for Much Ado About Nothing <\/em>first teased out meanings of courtly love, the mixture of comic and tragic moods in the text, were held in modern lecture rooms on Lancaster University’s campus. Working with props and pieces of costume came next, including a workshop with mime expert John Lang of High Hat Theatre<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Physical work continued with music (directed by Bethany Henwood) and dance (directed by Meg Fairley) To prepare for projection and clear enunciation of the verse in the Castle courtyard, each rehearsal included voice coaching\u00a0 by David Findlay, following the pioneering work of Cicely Berry. One regular activity was for actors to identify a key resonant lines for their roles and ‘throw’ the line to points in the rehearsal room.<\/p>\n

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Abigail Price as Claudio during the rehearsals for Act V<\/p>\n

“Impose me to what penance invention\/ Can lay upon my sin” (V.1.263-4)<\/p>\n

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Helen Logan as Don Pedro, Adam Perrot as Benedick, and Abigail Price as Claudio in rehearsals for Act I<\/p>\n

“Shall I never see a bachelor of threescore again?” (I.1.188)<\/p>\n

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The Cast rehearsing the Pavane, choreographed by Meg Fairley<\/p>\n

“Having danced from a young age, I have always focused on typical dance styles such as jazz and contemporary, so it has been such as an amazing opportunity to research and learn some early modern dances! Although it has been challenging at times, I have found the whole process extremely enjoyable and I hope that everyone enjoys performing and watching the dances as much as I enjoyed teaching them” – Meg Fairley, Ursula and Choreographer<\/p>\n

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Grace Thompson, Abigail Price, David Novell, David Findlay, and Helen Logan rehearsing Act IV<\/p>\n

“Hero is both a comedic and tragic character, who goes on a journey of innocence to maturity” – Grace Thompson, who stars as Hero<\/p>\n

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Milly Roe as Don John<\/p>\n

“Don John is a bitter, manipulative figure, who seeks vengeance on his brother Don Pedro, and Claudio, out of his own wounded pride. His entire nature is consumed by a desire to spread misery and chaos, not caring who he hurts” – Milly Roe<\/p>\n

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Amelia Blackwell as Conrade and Milly Roe as Don John<\/p>\n

“Can you make no use of your discontent?” (I.3.35)<\/p>\n

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Bethany Henwood as Balthasar, Helen Logan as Don Pedro, and Abigail Price as Claudio<\/p>\n

“Graves yawn and yield your dead,\/ Till death be uttered” (V.3.19-20)<\/p>\n

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Props made by Lilly Mae Dunlop-Marriott<\/p>\n

“And I’ll be sworn upon it that he loves her,\/ For here’s a paper written in his hand’ (V.4.85-6)<\/p>\n

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Alison and David Findlay providing music for the dances<\/p>\n

“The revellers are entering, brother.\/ Make good room” (II.1.74-5)<\/p>\n

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A sample of the costumes\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Beatrice\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Benedick\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Claudio\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Hero\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Leonato<\/p>\n

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First thoughts from the Cast<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Maggie Wignall as Beatrice<\/p>\n

What are you most excited for in this production?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I’m most looking forward to the ‘skirmish of wit’ between Beatrice and Benedick, but I’m also intrigued to find out what Beatrice is hiding behind her comedic front.<\/p>\n

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Adam Perrott as Benedick<\/p>\n

What attracts you to the role in this production?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019ve rehearsed at Lancaster Castle before but never performed here so that\u2019s a huge plus. And if you get the opportunity to do some Shakespeare, you should!<\/p>\n

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\"\"Abigail Price as Claudio<\/p>\n

What skills do you hope to gain by partaking in the performance?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Diction and pronunciation are both skills I hope to develop in this production. Claudio has his fair share of speeches filled with anger and rage, but also love and sweetness and so finding these polarised emotions and relaying them with abundant clarity is crucial, but can be tricky!<\/p>\n

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Grace Thompson as Hero<\/p>\n

What excited you most about this production?<\/strong><\/p>\n

To work with everyone, and to play Hero who is a character I love!<\/p>\n

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\"\"David Findlay as Leonato<\/p>\n

What attracts you to the role in this production?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Leonato has a great deal to do in the play; he is first and foremost a father and has to experience a range of fatherly emotions: pride, love, rage, disappointment, hope, jealousy. Leonato as a father is a meaty role. Leonato is also a host, a governor and a plotter in the bringing Beatrice and Benedick together. So it’s the complexity and range that attracts me to the role.<\/p>\n

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Andy Dobel as Antonio<\/p>\n

What has been the biggest challenge of the rehearsal process?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Getting Shakespeare’s words right and mainly, and not always in the right order.<\/p>\n

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Helen Logan as Don Pedro<\/p>\n

How does this production differ from the previous productions you have been a part of?<\/strong><\/p>\n

It will be my first experience of playing just one character and not having to do costume changes.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Milly Roe as Don John<\/p>\n

What special qualities do you bring to the company?<\/strong><\/p>\n

My commitment and experimental attitude- I will never perform a line in the same way twice, mainly because I don’t always remember how I was told to perform it!<\/p>\n

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\"\"Meg Fairley as Ursula<\/p>\n

What skills have you gained from partaking in this production?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I hope to improve on my vocal skills and stage presence, as well as my critical interpretation of Shakespeare as a whole! I find it easier to access Shakespeare through performance and therefore, I am looking forward to gaining a deeper, more complex understanding of the play.<\/p>\n

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\"\"Francesca Singh as Margaret<\/p>\n

What are you most excited about for this production?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Meeting all the cast and seeing us all come together in rehearsals. Getting to know everyone through breathing exercises, practising Shakespeare pronunciations and engaging games allows us all to learn and have fun.<\/p>\n

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Phil Chandler as Borachio<\/p>\n

How has this production changed your experience of Shakespeare?<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is something special about having the opportunity to take different roles in the same play, over a period of a few years. It’s getting to look at the story from all angles in a very practical way, allowing you to notice new things every time.<\/p>\n

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Amelia Blackwell as Conrade<\/span><\/p>\n

How does this production differ from other productions you have been a part of?<\/b><\/p>\n

This will be my first time performing at the castle and my first Shakespearean production I\u2019ve been involved in for many years so I am looking forward to the challenges it may bring.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"\"David J. Novell as Friar Frances<\/span><\/p>\n

What makes performing Shakespeare unique?<\/b><\/p>\n

Performing Shakespeare requires careful attention to the sense and meaning of the lines. You have to get a feeling for what you are saying, otherwise it can sound like gobbledegook to the audience. It is demanding, but extremely satisfying if you get it right. The experience of performing in a Shakespeare pla<\/span>y, especially in such an exciting venue as Lancaster Castle, simply further adds to my huge admiration of the bard’s work.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Bethany Henwood as Balthasar<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you expect this production to change your perception of Shakespeare?<\/b><\/p>\n

While I have studied Shakespeare for years, I’m excited to see how acting it changes the way I understand the language – especially as a very small acting role, I want to see how I can make the most of the comedy of a side character.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Gracie Flynn as Dogberry<\/span><\/p>\n

What special quality do you bring to the production?<\/b><\/p>\n

I believe I bring an infectious energy and laughter to the company. In addition to a strong desire to achieve and do well.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Ben Brighouse as Verges<\/span><\/p>\n

What have you enjoyed the most about this production?<\/b><\/p>\n

I particularly enjoy being on stage with my partner-in-crime, Gracie, who plays Dogberry, of the Watch. I think we have a lot of fun, and can be rather funny. Well our director laughs anyway. I can’t wait for the audiences to watch our antics!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Dorian Ralston as George Seacole and Costume Team<\/p>\n

What attracts you to your role in the production?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I was in Henry V<\/em> and enjoyed doing small repairs on the costumes.<\/p>\n

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Charlotte Boulo as Hugh Oatcake and Costume Team<\/p>\n

What are you most excited for in this production?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I am excited about being part of the costuming team and appearing in stage for the first time !<\/p>\n

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Matthew Armitage as Watchman 1<\/p>\n

What do you expect to gain from this experience?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Just to develop my general skills which I can use in future productions. It has been a lot of fun so far and a privilege to work with such a dedicated team.<\/p>\n

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James France as the Messenger and the Boy<\/p>\n

How has this production changed your experience with Shakespeare?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I feel like any chance to act will always help me to gain valuable experience. I also enjoy the experience of working with new people and the rehearsals process as a whole. I studied Shakespeare whilst at university – but I was unfamiliar with this play. But after reading through it and performing it, I feel like I missed out. It\u2019s a fantastic piece of Theatre.<\/p>\n

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Meet the Production Team<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Rachel Collins as Stage Manager<\/p>\n

What are you most excited about in this production?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Honestly, I am so excited to see all of the pieces everyone has been working on come together. Everyone brings so much thought and individuality to their role, from what I\u2019ve seen so far this is going to be a good one!<\/p>\n

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\"\"Lilly Mae Dunlop-Marriott as Costume Team<\/p>\n

What experience have you gained from participating in this production?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Experience in working on a fully produced costume department, and ability to work within a theatrical company.<\/p>\n

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Jennifer Cordes as Marketing and Publicity Team<\/p>\n

How has this production changed your perception of Shakespeare?<\/strong><\/p>\n

I have become much more aware of how different each adaptation of Shakespeare is. Through my marketing campaign, I have considered everything from motifs to generic conventions within Shakespeare which has given me a much deeper understanding of the play.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

William Shakespeare\u2019s comedy, features the roller-coaster of romance for the young couple Hero and Claudio, whose happiness is tragically\u00a0 threatened by the evil plots of the villain Don John. Opposite this, the matchmaker Don Pedro works to conjure a \u2018mountain of affection\u2019 between the witty Beatrice and Benedick who declare their dislike for each other […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1202,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"nosidebar-page.php","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2301","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/P7IR4b-B7","_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/wp.lancs.ac.uk\/shakespeare-and-his-sisters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2301","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/wp.lancs.ac.uk\/shakespeare-and-his-sisters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/wp.lancs.ac.uk\/shakespeare-and-his-sisters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wp.lancs.ac.uk\/shakespeare-and-his-sisters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1202"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/wp.lancs.ac.uk\/shakespeare-and-his-sisters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2301"}],"version-history":[{"count":38,"href":"http:\/\/wp.lancs.ac.uk\/shakespeare-and-his-sisters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2301\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3089,"href":"http:\/\/wp.lancs.ac.uk\/shakespeare-and-his-sisters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/2301\/revisions\/3089"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/wp.lancs.ac.uk\/shakespeare-and-his-sisters\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2301"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}