Much Ado About Nothing

It’s difficult to believe Sport For Jove has only been alive for 5 years. From it’s humble beginnings in Castle Hill’s The Rose Garden, the company has gone from strength to strength to be one of Sydney’s most important independent groups. In that short time, and with a prolific production history, the company has continued to consistently produce high quality shows again and again.

It is easy to feel a loss of the magic of theatre in many of our modern performance venues (or lack thereof), but sitting on a picnic blanket with cheese, crackers and wine, on a farm in the Australian summer, being entertained by energetic and powerful performers playing in one of Shakespeare’s most enduring plays, it is hard not to feel that magic.

It is a testament to the director and the cast that, as the sun set, the breeze came in, and this reviewer’s bare legs began to grow goosebumps, there was not a stir in the crowd. No cries from the children present, no shifting on picnic blankets, no complaints. An audience that ranged from newborn to grey was captured from beginning to end. To do that with a play written over 400 years ago, in a language that at times can be unfamiliar to our ears, is impressive.

It will always be a consideration when presenting a classic of how to ensure it is relevant and that the audience will ‘get it’. It is so tempting to throw in obtuse references to current events and pop culture, but that is not a concern here. Sport For Jove has always managed that perfect balance of accessibility to a modern audience and upholding the integrity of the text. Director Adam Cook presents a Much Ado that is full of human characters and a world that is undeniably relatable. It is no secret that some of Shakespeare’s plot devices are dubious at best, but Cook either makes them work, or hangs a lampshade on them, has a laugh, and moves on.

Tim Walter and Matilda Ridgway play Benedick and Beatrice with a 3^rd dimension and a truth that is so often lost in the pursuit of comedy. As a result, the two were loveable, human and yet skipped not a beat of their character’s wit. Benedick and Beatrice are so often played with a certain obviousness, but not here. Christopher Stalley and Madeleine Jones absolutely embodied the human essence of lovers Claudio and Hero. Despite having the difficult role of being the ‘dramatic relief’ in a comedy, Stalley and Jones navigated their emotions with ease. James Lugton’s Dogberry had the audience in stitches whenever he neared the playing area, and Robert Jago (Don Pedro/Watch) and Damien Strouthos (Balthazar/Watch) weaved their way through double roles expertly. It is a shame to not mention every single member of this cast, as the world created by this ensemble was constantly engaged and working. 

Elizabeth Gadsby’s design was effortless and beautiful, and Toby Knyvett lit the beautiful venue in a way that almost made you feel as though you were amongst the oil lamps of the Globe. The music, dance and fight components (Thanks to Christopher Harley, Julia Cotton and Scott Witt respectively) were appropriately blended into the text and served to heighten the theatrical experience.

This reviewer has to wonder if Sport For Jove, with their success, has lost a little of the spontaneity of their early productions. The sense of wandering into a farm and suddenly having a play pop up has disappeared a little, and been replaced with a merchandise tent and parking attendants. This is an unavoidable component of success however, and how can one wish otherwise for an independent theatre company in Sydney? Bring on the extended parking areas and the sold out shows, I say. Everyone needs to see these productions – Shakespeare lovers and football fans alike.

Jessica Lovelace

Much Ado About Nothing is playing in repertory with Cyrano de Bergerac, directed by Sport For Jove’s artistic director, Damien Ryan, as part of the Outdoor Sport For Jove Festival 2013/14, ‘Welcome to the Party!’. Much Ado and Cyrano are at Bella Vista Farm until 30^th December 2013, Much Ado at Norman Lindsay Gallery 4^th and 5^th January, 2014, and both plays at The Everglades Garden from 11^th January – 26^th January, 2014. Bookings taken at www.sportforjove.com.auor / (02) 9439 5683.

Photographer: Seiya Taguchi.