Y2K and sassy high heel-fueled walk off’s might not be your first thought when it comes to the Shakespeare classic ‘Much Ado About Nothing‘, but Stirling University Drama Society (SUDS) director’s Summer Holly and Ruby Gilmour twisted the two timelines into a fresh, stunning production.
Image Credit: Anna-Mary Ortakchiyska
The cast
A modern twist on the classic play included a gender swapped ‘Beatrice’, an iPod nano and some vintage Brittney-esc outfits. The next-generation adaptation brings an exciting and relatable feeling to an old story told time and time again.
Every actor on stage was committed, bringing a unique, contemporary take to their respective characters. George Hassall (Borachio) and Bailey Riley (Benedick) were especially standout performers, able to project the Shakespearean language in an understandable and authentic way. Hassall was particularly exceptional as comic relief, having seemed to have mastered comedic timing and the art of physical acting.
Sam Mayes (Claudio) and Tooqeer Choudhry (Pedro) also worked incredibly well as an on-stage duo. Tasked with a lot of on stage exposition and trusted with the plot’s primary development, the question of Hero’s loyalty, the pair exuded a confidence as partners that left the audience enticed, waiting for their next move and excited to see what was next. The stage performance of each speaking actor was captivating.
“Everyone who auditioned was amazing,” Director Summer Holly told Brig, “I think [the show] went incredible, it was better and better each night.” Holly’s impeccable directing, along with her co-director Ruby Gilmour’s, truly brought the show to life, enabling each actor to give their best performance.
Image Credit: Anna-Mary Ortakchiyska
The story
The 2000s take saw many changes to the original story, the most noticeable being the change from ‘Beatrice’ to ‘Beau’. Whilst an entertaining choice, it seemed regressive turning the strongest female lead in the play into a man, albeit a confident queer character. That being said, the change in character did nail down the modern twist to the story, and made the story new and different from past adaptations.
The original conflict of the story was made all the more compelling by the unconventional re-telling through the teenage gossip lens. The choice to have the characters direct the news at the audience and having the characters overhear, drew the audience into the story by making them a part of the drama. This was unlike any previous production, where characters simply speak amongst themselves. This adaptation to the traditional staging added immense value, giving the audience no choice but to be invested.
In contrast to the original, the play was short and sweet, leaving no ambiguity and no complicated, over-dramatic, meaningless scene for the audience to unpick, bored and tired. The production still had all the essential plot, making it a much more digestible story than the original.
Overall
The cast all performed excellently, accompanied by a talented backstage staff and two fantastic directors. The audience will all no-doubt be back for their next show, myself included.
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Feature Image Credit: Anna-Mary Ortakchiyska
1st year Film & English student
