Stirling University’s Drama Society upcoming Y2K adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing will be playing at MacRobert Arts Centre this month. Brig caught up with their co – directors, Summer Holly and Ruby Gilmore, as well as two of their actors, Conor Bishop and Sam Mayes, before their run started to find out what it is that makes this version of Much Ado special.
What is it that makes your adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing stand out?
Ruby – I think it’s a fun play already, there are ridiculous elements, and we have somehow made it even more ridiculous. We’re setting it in a Y2K setting, and we’ve got lots of references to 2000s films from that time, like Mean Girls, A Cinderella Story, High School Musical, so it’s a bit of a nostalgia trip.
Summer – I think the fun thing with Shakespeare is that Shakespeare’s been performed for over 400 years at this point. His work does give creators and directors a lot of creative freedom. It is acceptable to add your own twist to it and do what you like. There’s been a lot of gender swapping within Shakespeare throughout a lot of productions.
How did you get the idea to make it 2000s inspired?
Summer – I had originally pitched this show over a year ago where I had come up with the idea of gender swapping one of the main characters to make the main couple queer. I also wanted to set it in the 2000s because I was watching How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and I thought the storylines of 2000s rom-coms really fits the vibe of Much Ado.
Why did you choose Much Ado About Nothing?
Summer – We haven’t really done a comedy and also haven’t done Shakespeare in a while, so I thought it’d be fun to do something a bit different at MacRoberts.
Ruby – There’s such great characters and so many ways that you can interpret them because of Shakespeare’s writing. It’s so fun for people to play with and come up with their own interpretation.
Why do you think supporting student and local drama is important?
Summer – The cast of this show are so ——- talented. I’ll say that, not just about this show, but every single SUDS show. I feel like people don’t realise how talented local performers can be.
Ruby – Theatre is really important to me as it’s really helped me gain confidence. I really value these opportunities myself, and the arts should be for everyone. Everyone should have an opportunity to take part.
Conor – I think a lot of theatre can be a bit elitist. You have to go to these huge places and it doesn’t feel as intimate as local or student theatre.
I went to one of the previous SUDS shows, and then right after I knew, I need to try this out. I auditioned for a show, got in, and haven’t looked back.
Ruby – It’s accessible in a way that most of the arts unfortunately isn’t.
Sam – Also, SUDS isn’t making money. The tickets do not go towards us getting a profit from this. It’s just to fund more shows. So this is stuff is done as a passion project, it very much is just us wanting to do this and to get together and to tell these stories and put on this display of creativity and art.
What would you say to people who are thinking about buying a ticket?
All – Do it!
Conor – Or else…
Summer – I genuinely think it is a show for everyone because it can be for all ages, and I think it’s just a fun, light-hearted show, and also a cute wee romantic comedy after Valentine’s Day, but still around it.
Ruby – Buy a ticket to see the talent that’s on display. The cast is amazing. They’re just so funny.
It’s also the work of people backstage as well. The set has been painted by Leo. It’s made out of cardboard and he has made it look amazing. Casey who’s doing costume has had such a vision for the look of the show.
Conor – Everyone working on the show is putting so much effort in. I think it will just be a great show and everyone should come … or else.
SUDS production of Much Ado About Nothing played at the MacRobert Art Centre from the 25 – 27 February.
Featured Image Credit : Stirling University Drama Society on Instagram
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