Much Ado About Nothing comes to Gisborne’s Evolution Theatre

Evolution Theatre brings Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing to the stage on Thursday. Pictured are Elsie Fourie (left), Huia T.D. Smith, Matai Lasserre Lenth, Daniel Turon, Owen Raines, Alex Raines and Elizabeth Cutts.

Gisborne’s Evolution Theatre Company is putting its own spin on Shakespeare’s comedy Much Ado About Nothing, setting it in the swinging sixties.

Theatre founder Dinna Myers is directing the play and is also in charge of lighting and sound design.

Myers said she had fun setting the play in the vibrant “summer of love”, bursting with colour and music.

“Shakespeare’s sharp wit is delivered with playful modern energy,” she said.

Audiences will step into a world of flower power, free spirits and mischievous romance.

“This is a celebration of community, rebellion and the power of love.”

The play revolves around two romantic pairings that emerge when a group of soldiers arrive in the town.

The local cast features Owen Raines as Claudio, who falls in love with Hero, played by Eilidh Green, the daughter of his host.

Hero’s cousin Beatrice (Charli Haskell), a confirmed spinster, and Benedick (Brent Charles Forge), an eternal bachelor, are duped into believing the other is in love with them.

In a sun-soaked community buzzing with music, protest and possibility, the returning soldiers arrive home to celebration.

Amid the swirl of peace signs, guitars and colourful rebellion, two very different love stories unfold.

Much Ado About Nothing is about a group of young people falling in and out of love, mishearing each other, meddling in each other’s lives and creating unnecessary drama.

“The world offers us plenty of cynicism. This play reminds us of the pleasure of wit, music, community, and love in all its complicated forms,” Myers said.

“I hope people find this joyful production to be a soothing balm and they enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed creating it.”

Audiences can expect excellent production values – both sets and costumes.

“It’s an easy-to-follow storyline with all the Shakespearean fat cut out for a nice lean production.

“It is, I feel, Shakespeare’s most joyful work.

“Bring your friends, bring your laughter and get ready to fall in love all over again.”

The play opens tomorrow at Evolution Theatre on 75 Disraeli St. Adult tickets (over 30 years old) are $35, entry for people 21-30 years of age or SuperGold Card holders is $30 and entry for people under 20 is $20.