Get ready for a summer of laughs and love at the Globe Theatre in London, where William Shakespeare's timeless comedy 'Much Ado About Nothing' is being reimagined with all the hallmarks of a modern rom-com. Director Chelsea Walker's vibrant production is capturing hearts and minds with its infectious energy, blending hilarious one-liners, swoon-worthy romance, and eye-catching spectacle that has critics predicting a summer blockbuster. At its centre, the deliciously prickly courtship between Beatrice (Pippa Nixon) and Benedick (Ken Nwosu) promises to be the real highlight, bringing a 'romcom energy' that will leave theatre-goers grinning from ear to ear.
The production's visual feast is another major draw, with gorgeous music, dynamic dance sequences, and costumes in shades of pink, light grey, and lemon that are as bright as they are beautiful. Even the usually sluggish scenes involving Dogberry (Richard Katz) and his hapless security team are injected with vigorous clowning that keeps the play moving at breakneck pace. The overall staging is a 'riot of fine staging', excelling in comedy and delivering stunning sound and visuals, expertly enhanced by an on-point live band that adds to the tension and atmosphere.
The action begins when Don Pedro (Adam Long) and his soldiers return to Messina after war, setting the stage for merriment and romance. This includes the whirlwind romance between Claudio (Joshua John) and Hero (Assa Kanouté), whose ill-fated wedding sparks the play's dark turning point. While the production touches on the darker elements of the original – such as the animal masks at the Act Two ball, hinting at a darker fairytale world and psychological undertones – these moments are brief, giving way to an overarching sense of fun and froth.
The cast is being hailed for their stellar performances. Pippa Nixon's Beatrice shines with her sharp wit and independence, bringing a fiery passion to her interactions with Benedick while maintaining a playful physicality. Ken Nwosu's Benedick shows a softer side, showcasing impeccable comic timing and infusing his lines with witty asides. The chemistry between the two leads is undeniable, even if some critics note that their sparring lacks a little bite.
Even in its more challenging moments – such as Hero's public humiliation during the aborted wedding – the production finds a unique approach, one that avoids descending into stark tragedy. Assa Kanouté delivers a powerful performance as the wronged bride-to-be, but the resolution feels slightly swift. However, this choice aligns with the production's aim to deliver an 'insuppressibly crowd-pleasing' experience that's 'eminently worth seeing', even if it means skirting around the play's darker undertones.