Much Ado About Nothing at Bard On The Beach!

Admin
Sep 23
2 min read

Come with Act Alive to go see Much Ado About Nothing at Bard On The Beach!

'Bard on the Beach is Western Canada’s largest not-for-profit, professional Shakespeare Festival … that runs from June to September’

We started our sunny evening walking alongside Kitsilano beach as we made our way to the big white tents that house Bard on the Beach. The beginning of the show started with an introduction from Christopher Gaze the Artistic Director, and he introduced us to Mason the dog actor who is performing in The Two Gentlemen of Verona, another play that Bard on the Beach is performing this summer.

The set was a beautiful 17th century Italian vineyard with a large courtyard, with a grand balcony covered in vines. The courtyard featured a well that was often used as a comedic prop, and an open backwall that allowed the audience to peek at downtown Vancouver and the sun setting as the performance went on.

Much Ado About Nothing is a Shakespearean romantic comedy about Beatrice and Benedick, who whenever they meet spar with words and wit. Their tumultuous relationship takes a turn when their friends decide to see if they can get the bantering two to fall in love.

“Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps.” - Act 3 Scene 1

This takes place as the young Claudio and Beatrice’s cousin Hero fall in love, and arrange to be married. But the villainous Don John engages in foul play to besmirch sweet Hero’s good name, and put a stop to the couple's happy nuptials.

The performers were incredible, and gave such life to Shakespeare's words. Benedict and Beatrice were hilarious, Don John was incredible, his sass side eye had us cackling. The members of the Night Watch all had amazing characterization and reminded us that no matter the size of your part you can always create a hysterical and engaging performance.

“You are to bid any man stand, in the Prince’s name.” “How if he will not stand?” “Why, then, take no note of him, but let him go and presently call the rest of the watch together and thank God you are rid of a knave.” - Act 3 Scene 3

In the interval the tech crew came on stage to add set pieces to decorate the balcony for the next act, and then the members of the Night watch came into the auditorium and began to interact with the audience. We loved the amount of audience interaction and fourth wall breaks there were, it really added to the comedy of the performance.

Overall we had an amazing evening and highly recommend you take a trip down to Bard on the Beach next summer and catch one of their amazing plays!