Shakespearean plays may seem like a daunting undertaking for those not willing to dive into a centuries old deliverance but the Much Ado About Nothing cast throw all concerns out the window.
The Handlebards, the organisers behind the travelling troupe, manage the show with only a cast of four that demands tens. With the clever and charming use of props - Hero is crafted entirely from a mop - the cast pull extra shifts, essentially trebling their lines and efforts by taking on multiple characters in blink-and-you’ll-miss-it quick changes to keep the show moving.
The comedy isn’t lost with the lack of cast members, if anything it adds to the original humour the play demands. A few modern elements intertwined with classic slapstick comedy are welcome editions without the source material feeling too altered.
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Expressions, gestures, and stance between the cast are incredible as they feel genuinely connected to one another as individuals interacting rather than actors on a stage. No one person had a moment of downtime with regards to performance yet it never once felt like the pace was slowing.
An element I personally despise at any theatre show (audience interaction) was prevalent this evening but it was light enough to calm any fear you may be handpicked next. Thankfully, I was well out of sight but the participation aspect was generally entertaining given it adds a small background scene instead of the typical “let’s try and get everyone excited and involved” grasp.
There are a few Shakespeare classics that bode well with unfamiliar audiences because of the narrative and visual aspects but The Handlebards confidently deliver another many should make a point of seeing. The ensemble were so talented in their lines and physical comedy I found myself consistently laughing out loud with a grin on my face the entire evening.
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