This was as joyful a theatrical experience as one could wish for. Performed outside on Brandon Hill’s verdant and tree-lined slopes, the Lord Chamberlain’s Men played to a crowd of several hundred, who drifted away into the summer night afterwards with warm smiles on their faces.
As seagulls, swifts and finally pipistrelle bats flew above our heads, and the footlights finally came on as the light faded, this wonderful production set about ticking all of new owner and Artistic Director Peter Stickney’s boxes – authenticity, excellence and magic. The authenticity was clearly never in doubt, with an all-male cast as per original Shakespeare productions. Nor was the excellence of all seven players who were simply at the top of their game. But that elusive ingredient – magic – came in spades from the chemistry produced between these well-travelled professionals. On a 16-week tour giving 80 performances at 70 different venues, they knew this piece inside out. So well honed were these players that their timing, delivery and body language, individually as well as collectively was not only a theatrical masterclass, but enormous fun to witness.
Much Ado is really two plays in one. The main love interest, the wooing of Hero by Claudio, who has returned triumphant from war with Don Pedro and Lord Benedick, in many ways plays second fiddle to the more hilarious, more cerebral tussle between the two avowed singletons, Beatrice and Benedick.
Jordan Bernarde caught perfectly the crack in Benedick’s resolve to remain a bachelor, while Oliver Buckner not only graced the role of Beatrice with his fine cheek bones, but effortlessly commanded the huge range the role demands, from razor-sharp intellectual to weeping confidante, deadly avenger to coquettish lover. “Maiden pride adieu!” The audience warmed to the quick-fire exchanges and putdowns between these two. But there was much else to savour.
Nathan Cohen portrayed the Lord Claudio as a deeply passionate individual, none more so than when singing a soulful a cappella “now softly lies” at Hero’s ‘tomb’ in abject remorse.
James Lavender’s Dogberry, the watchman, was a treat from beginning to end, with each malapropism eliciting more and more giggles from the crowd. The ragtag members of his watch (members of the company) were both lusty in their song, and light on their feet, and amusing to watch. Doubling as Don John, by comparison, Lavendar gave Don Pedro’s treacherous brother real menace as he sought to undermine the happiness of his conquering brother and his right hand man Claudio. Joshua Meredith arguably stole the night with Don Pedro’s impassioned “We are the only love gods!” exclamation, when plotting a Cupid’s role in the pairing of Benedick and Beatrice.
Jon Tozzi enjoyed a merry roar of approval when appearing as Hero in her wedding dress while sporting a five o’clock shadow, and there were sniggers when Matthew McFetridge first appeared as Margaret, Hero’s lady-in-waiting, having already established himself as the reputable Governor of Messina, Leonato. If anything the cross dressing lent a light touch to the proceedings, accentuating the ludicrous pickles that we can get into when falling in, and out, of love.
Despite a helicopter flying over, and the occasional distant police or ambulance siren impinging on the aural experience, this was timeless Elizabethan theatre at its best. Do catch this TLCM tour (till late September) if you can. ★★★★★ Simon Bishop 30th July 2016
Dyrham Park, Nr Bath – Friday 5th and Saturday 6th August, 6.30pm
Dyrham, Gloucestershire SN14 8ER
Tickets: Adult £16 Child £9.50
Box Office: 0844 2491895
Online: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park
