Much Ado About Nothing

Marking the 400th anniversary of the death of the great William Shakespeare, Queensland Theatre Company presents the world’s original romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing at the Playhouse – QPAC until 15 May 2016.

For the bantering, bickering Beatrice and Benedick, love is a battlefield. Once bitten and twice shy, the sharp-witted pair are locked in a verbal fencing match with no quarter asked and none given. Is there any way their friends can open their eyes to their true feelings for each other?

For the starry-eyed young couple Claudio and Hero, love is a many-splendoured thing – that’s if they can take their eyes off each other long enough to avoid being deceived by bitter schemer Don John. Welcome to Messina – the war is over, the celebration has begun, love is in the air, and everything else is Much Ado About Nothing.

Making his mainstage directorial debut, Jason Klarwein promises romantic sparring at its Shakespearean best, performed by some of the country’s leading stage stars including Christen O’Leary, Tama Matheson, Hugh Parker, Bryan Probets.

“With a design straight out of a 5-star resort and a trip-hop groove to match, this story also stars extraordinary live acapella which will morph classical, modern, beatbox and more in a brilliant musical jigsaw, performed by three of Brisbane’s best vocalists under the direction of Gordon Hamilton,” said Klarwein.

Famous for reimagining music, and composing orchestral experiences with new music leaders, Gordon Hamilton has composed music for the Shakespearean songs featured in the play and also incorporates his own version of chart topper Heya by OutKast.

“Much Ado About Nothing is a wonderful look at the battle of the sexes and the freedom of individuals. The common perception of the play is that it is a little comedy that is really all about nothing, but on closer inspection, this is not the case. Not at all,” said Klarwein.

“Much Ado About Nothing is really much ado about human nature. It takes a brutal, albeit funny, look at how men treat women. On the surface of this production you will find lush tropical sunsets in which characters sip cocktails (set in a Hamilton Island-inspired location no less) and indulge in witty banter but underneath something far more profound is occurring. Emancipation and equality.”

After working closely with globally acclaimed Shakespearean specialist director Michael Attenborough (Hamlet) and acting in many applauded productions, Jason Klarwein is the perfect lens through which to deliver Much Ado About Nothing in this most important of years.

Director: Jason Klarwein Featuring: Ellen Bailey, Liz Buchanan, Mark Conaghan, Patrick Dwyer, Hayden Jones, Christen O’Leary, Tama Matheson, Kathryn McIntyre, Hugh Parker, Bryan Probets, Megan Shorey Set and Costume Designer: Richard Roberts Lighting Designer: Ben Hughes Sound Designer: Justin Harrison Composer: Gordon Hamilton Assistant Director: Travis Dowling Assistant Designer: Anthony Spinaze

Much Ado About Nothing
Playhouse – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, Southbank (Brisbane)
Season continues to 15 May 2016
Bookings: 13 62 46 or online at: www.qpac.com.au