Much Ado About Nothing - Royal Shakespeare Company Review

Reviewed by Mark 

Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.

Messina is buzzing with excitement, and not just because the football team are returning from their triumphant exploits at the Euro Cup. A celebrity wedding is looming, promising glitz and glamour, but as the plot unfolds, it's clear that not everyone is in favour of this nuptial celebration going smoothly. Amidst the chaos, old antagonists Beatrice and Benedick are given another chance to reignite their connection—will their teammates help them score both on and off the field?

Freema Agyeman and Nick Blood. Photo by Marc Brenner.

Under the deft direction of Michael Longhurst, who has an impressive track record that includes works like Next To Normal and The Band’s Visit, this production presents Shakespeare’s comedic classic in an entirely fresh light: the world of elite football and the glitzy culture surrounding it. The choice to insert Shakespeare's eloquent dialogue into this contemporary and scandal-laden arena is both bold and daring. Freema Agyeman takes on the role of Beatrice, weaving the character's sharp wit and independence with a charisma that draws the audience in. Nick Blood's interpretation of Benedick is equally captivating, encapsulating his character's blend of bravado and vulnerability. Blood shines are the brightest light in this production and really delights as the romance begins to grow. Together their chemistry is undeniably one of the highlights of the production, sparking intrigue as their relationship navigates the tumultuous waters of rivalry and romance.

Eleanor Worthington-Cox impressively carries the journey of Hero whilst pairing superbly with a brilliant Daniel Adeosun's Claudio. Together the pair make a lovely duo, until the plotting around them disrupts their wedding. Understudy Nick Cavaliere gives a memorable performance as Leonato, he is a proper geezer and carries the role really well. However, while the play offers plenty moments of humour, it occasionally falters under the weight of its ambitious reimagining. The infusion of modern elements can feel forced at times, overshadowing the timeless quality of Shakespeare’s original text. Some scenes struggle to find their rhythm as the blend of classic dialogue and contemporary setting risks diluting the story's core themes of love and rivalry. After the half time whistle has sounded the second half is undoubtedly stronger.

Photo by Marc Brenner

Overall, Much Ado About Nothing successfully showcases how Shakespeare's work can be revitalised for modern audiences, yet it also reminds us that translating timeless narratives into current contexts requires a delicate balance. With its mix of sport, celebrity drama, and romance, this production undoubtedly captures attention, even as it wrestles with the challenges of modernisation. For those intrigued by a fresh take on classic texts, this interpretation of Much Ado About Nothing is worth experiencing—just prepare for a few bumps along the way. It not quite a guilt edge miss from 6 yards but it also doesn't leave you celebrating long after the full time whistle.

⭐⭐⭐

Much Ado About Nothing plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre until 24th May 2025. Tickets are available from https://www.rsc.org.uk/

Photo by Marc Brenner