Review: Much Ado About Nothing at Braboeuf Manor, Guildford
I’ll admit it, Shakespeare has always felt a little intimidating to me. Having previously only seen Richard II on stage, which I found quite heavy going, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect from Much Ado About Nothing. Thankfully, knowing it was one of Shakespeare’s comedies made it feel like a much more approachable place to start, and I’m so glad I did.
From the opening scenes, I found myself completely drawn in. Rather than struggling to follow the story, I was pleasantly surprised by how accessible it felt. The humour translated brilliantly, and there were plenty of genuine laugh-out-loud moments throughout the evening. It quickly became clear why Much Ado About Nothing considered one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies.
A huge part of that was down to the outstanding cast. James Sheldon was particularly entertaining as Benedick, delivering razor-sharp wit with impeccable comic timing.
His playful interactions with the audience and occasional breaking of the ‘fourth wall’ added an extra layer of fun, making everyone feel part of the performance rather than simply watching from the sidelines. The chemistry between the cast was excellent, and every performance felt energetic, natural and full of personality.
This production is set in the summer of 1945, just after the Second World War, and the period setting worked beautifully.
The fashion, hairstyles and styling were all wonderfully authentic, helping to transport the audience into the era. Combined with a good music, dancing of the era, and subtle sound design, the production struck a lovely balance between nostalgia and celebration, perfectly complementing Shakespeare’s timeless story of misunderstandings, romance and reconciliation. The post-war setting forms part of an imaginative pairing with Love’s Labour’s Lost, creating a narrative that spans the years before and after the war, which is also being shown by the Guildford Shakespeare Company this summer.
The setting itself deserves a mention too. Performed outdoors in the beautiful grounds of Braboeuf Manor, the production made full use of its surroundings. As the evening light softened and the gardens became part of the backdrop, it created a wonderfully immersive atmosphere that simply wouldn’t be possible inside a traditional theatre. The staging was relatively simple, but it never needed to be elaborate; every prop, entrance and scene change felt purposeful and effective, allowing the performances and the stunning location to shine.
For anyone, like me, who has ever felt slightly daunted by Shakespeare, this production is proof that it doesn’t have to be difficult or inaccessible. It’s funny, heartfelt and thoroughly entertaining, with a cast who clearly relish every moment on stage. I left wondering why I’d waited so long to give Shakespeare another chance!
If you’re looking for a memorable summer evening of theatre, I’d wholeheartedly recommend catching a Guildford Shakespeare Company production. Their award-winning company is renowned for staging classic plays in extraordinary locations across Surrey, making Shakespeare feel fresh, engaging and welcoming for both newcomers and seasoned theatre-goers alike.
