Much Ado About Nothing
TNT Theatre BRITAIN and ADG EUROPE.
By William Shakespeare
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – Shakespeare’s title is as witty and profound as the play it describes. Who is not at their most foolish when in love and at the same time suffers most pain? This
sparkling comedy seems light as a feather until it plunges to earth and reveals the darker side of
passion – treachery, jealousy and death itself overwhelm frivolity and tragedy threatens. Then
Shakespeare changes gear and brings in the clowns – a magnificent gang of incompetent policemen save the day - and, with the aid of deception – love triumphs. This is probably Shakespeare’s
finest comic plot and introduces two of his finest lovers: Benedict and Beatrice – each masters of
wit who discover the limits of that wit. Here is Shakespeare’s genius – the play itself explores the
boundaries of comedy while its two chief characters discover a depth of feeling beyond the dry
humour with which they protect their hearts. Cupid triumphs with an arrow not a smile. Around
the two famous lovers gather a lively crew of doting fathers, evil brothers, match-making noble-
men, passionate girls and lascivious youths – not to mention bumbling policemen worthy of the
Keystone cops and an evil villain who lies in order to destroy. A whirlwind of love turns into a whirlpool of violence and death. But all is redeemed and love triumphs. Was the story truly on of much
ado about very little or is it revealed as a profound mirror of the most intense human experience:
the giving of one to another?
The production is brought to you by TNT theatre Britain and ADG Europe who have been described by as “the best touring theatre company in the world” (China National TV). Their cycle of
Shakespeare’s major plays, directed by Paul Stebbings, have been seen in over thirty countries on
five continents. Recent productions include OTHELLO, MACBETH, HAMLET and A MIDSUMMER
NIGHT´s DREAM. The plays always include live music, the score for MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
is adapted by Paul Flush and will mix Mozart with a dash of jazz. The style of production will be
fast furious and funny, with a careful attention to poetry. The company aim to reveal Shakespeare
not impose some artificial director’s interpretation – to elucidate this great play not drop it in
some pointless setting or update what needs no modernising. This is the real thing – not a mu -
seum piece but a vibrant classic that stands the test of time.
“TNT prove how Shakespeare can connect with any audience anywhere in the world” JAPAN TIMES
“I never thought Shakespeare could be so entertaining.” CNN
“True music theatre.” CLASSICAL MUSIC MAGAZINE
“World class theatre”. SUDDEUTSCHE ZEITUNG
