By Peter Kemp
Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare.
Eltham Little Theatre’s latest production goes back to the 1500s with their updated take on William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.
A comedy written about 1598 and 1599.
The play is set in Messina and revolves around two romantic pairings that emerge when a group of soldiers arrive in town. The first, between Claudio and Hero, is nearly altered by the accusations of the villain, Don John. The second romance between Claudio’s friend Benedick and Hero’s cousin Beatrice, takes centre stage as the play continues, with both characters wit and banter providing much of the humour.
ELT brought the show up to date in costuming and set design. The company did not change Shakespeare’s words which suited the present day costuming. The rear of the stage was set as two walls with two pillars each side of the entrance/exit. Front of the stage was a table and chairs on audience left and two sun lounges on audience right. Scattered about were various pot plants put to good use by various members of the company as they tried to listen in on what was said about them.
A large cast of 15 players all giving superb performances, getting the feel of the characters and overall giving good performances. One player does deserve a mention is that of Marti Ibrahim as Beatrice. A great performer. Clarity of voice and a good actor. Her scenes with Benedick played by Sarab Kaikobad were a sheer delight.
There were some minor annoyances, when the players turned their heads away from the audience some of the dialogue was hard to hear.
But this is a minor fault and your correspondent highly recommends going and seeing this wonderful evening of theatre.
ELT’s next production is Disney’s High School Musical opening 1 July.
The Basin Theatre
Same Time next Year by Bernard Slade
A comedy but with all the aspects of theatre with drama and pathos.
The Basin theatre did not let its audiences down with this production.
The set was amazing, an hotel room with audience left comprising a lounge suite, a side double door leading out to the garden, a rear door leading out to the main entrance.
Audience right was the bedroom with a double bed, wardrobe, entrance to bathroom and beauty desk with mirror above.
The opening scene brought howls of laughter with George obviously naked trying to get into his clothes without revealing himself.
A two handed cast with George played by James Banger and Doris played by Georgina Topp.
Topp gave an excellent performance in her role with voice clarity and wonderful expressions suiting the different era’s of the story..
James Banger projected well and worked well with Topp but his voice could be a little stronger. He also caught the character as envisaged.
The story is about the couple George and Doris who meet at dinner. They have a sexual tryst, and despite both being happily married with six children between them they began to meet every year at the same hotel. The story jumps each five years and the two actors react to the periods of time. A shock to George when Doris comes out as a hippy while George is more straight laced than ever. Both actors caught the essence of the changing times producing a good evening of theatre.
Don’t forget Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre’s production of Barefoot in the Park.
Paul Bratterm a conservative lawyer, marries the vivacious Corie, but their highly passionate relationship descends into comical discord in a five-flight New York walk up apartment contending with a lack of heating, a leaking roof, several; flights of stairs (six), an unusual neighbour and Corie’s mother.
Season: 20 April – 8 May
Bookings: 9735 1777.
Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday 10am – 2pm
