RSC’s festive offering, the double bill of Luscombe’s decision of staging of LOVE’S LABOUR’S LOST and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING together comes from the idea of exploring the possibility that the latter is in fact Shakespeare’s missing play LOVE’S LABOUR’S WON.
Whilst this is an interesting concept, unfortunately Luscombe doesn’t explore it enough to say anything fresh or new. The same goes for the decision of setting the action just before and after The Great War: whilst it ties in neatly with Much Ado’s plot, it seems like an aesthetic rather than conceptual choice which fails to add any layers to the plot.
Shakespeare’s romantic comedies are full of witty language and provide a great opportunity for actors to work their physical comedy muscles. Edward Bennett is great both as Berowne and Benedick; his stage presence and command of the language making him stand out from the rest of this extremely talented ensemble. Nick Haverson’s comedy timing as Costard and Dogberry is impeccable and Lisa Dillon gives her Rosaline and Beatrice fierce and unapologetic qualities.
Christopher Luscombe directs Shakespeare with precision and attention to detail which is both a blessing and the curse for this production. Some of the scenes seem overly directed, resulting in restraining the actors and making the audience aware of the choreography. However there are some great songs and dance moments and Nigel Hess’s score compliments both of the productions.
Without a doubt this RSC’s take on Shakespeare’s two famous love stories will satisfy many. There is nothing faulty about it but if you are after something new and exciting and want to see a bunch of diverse actors and hear many different accents you will be disappointed with Luscombe’s production.
This is a traditional take on Shakespeare aimed at a very specific audience, this being the precise reason why, although I’m in my late 20’s I was still one of the youngest people in the auditorium.
If you're after an evening of uplifting, unpretentious, pure entertainment on a dark winter night, and if you love rock and roll, then this is the show for you. 