Much Ado About Nothing – Sport for Jove (NSW)

Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Samantha Young.  

A celebration of love, humour, and humanity, set against a quintessentially Australian backdrop

Reviewed by Chanele Mao
Sport for Jove Theatre Company
Season: 19 December to 29 December (Bella Vista Farm)
4 January to 19 January (Everglades Gardens, Leura)
22 January to 23 January (Blue Mountains theatre, Springwood)
Tickets: https://www.sportforjove.com.au/much-ado-about-nothing-2025

Stepping out onto Bella Vista Farm in the quiet Hills area felt like a complete change in scenery from the hustle and bustle of Sydney. Following the dirt tracks and entering the weather-beaten paddock gates made this outdoor theatre experience so much more enriching as we are about to watch one of William Shakespeare’s great comedies, Much Ado About Nothing.

Bella Vista Farm is a unique setting for Sport for Jove Theatre’s (SFJ) latest production of Much Ado. The beautiful Australian countryside and farmhouse has been used as the backdrop for this beloved play, utilised in Artistic Director Damien Ryan‘s set design. William Shakespeare’s Much Ado sparkles with wit, romance, and mistaken identities.

Ryan introduced the play as part of the 16^th annual summer season of the SFJ Shakespeare Festival. While Ryan’s set design tastefully incorporated the Aussie bushland background, Lisa Benham’s lighting beautifully transitioned with the setting sun adding an authentic pairing.

Under Samantha Young‘s diretion, Much Ado is set on an 1890s pastoral station, which infused the story with a sunburnt, rural flavour. The cacophonous Australian birds who sung aloud at the start of Much Ado was part of the rural charm and natural aesthetic.

Clear delivery and lively performances make it approachable for newcomers

The performances shone, led by Megan O’Connell’s fiery, passionate and headstrong Beatrice and Jay James-Moody’s witty, sweet and endearing, Benedick. Their electric chemistry makes their banter a highlight, drawing both laughter and warmth. The ensemble cast clearly work well together as they also play multiple roles to bring Shakespeare’s play to life. Toby Blome’s dual roles as the suitor, Claudio and the maid, Ursula delight, while Ellen Coote’s contrast between sweet Hero and grubby Borachio adds depth and hilarity.

This production balances accessibility and sophistication. Clear delivery and lively performances make it approachable for newcomers, while inventive direction, elegant music to the sound of cello and harp under the direction of Alexander Lee-Rekers offer fresh perspectives for Shakespeare enthusiasts.

This family-friendly performance invites audiences to bring a picnic and enjoy an evening under the stars. Chairs are provided, adding to the relaxed and inclusive atmosphere.

SFJ’s Much Ado is a celebration of love, humour, and humanity, set against a quintessentially Australian backdrop. Whether you’re a first-time viewer or a seasoned fan, this production will offer something for you. If you fancy hearing Shakespeare under the stars, don’t miss out on a trip to Leura or the Blue Mountains to catch this enchanting tale in January 2025!

CAST
TOBY BLOME CLAUDIO/URSULA
LEILANI LOAU LEONATO / DOGBERRY
ELLEN COOTE HERO / BORACHIO
JAY JAMES-MOODY BENEDICK / BALTHAZAR
MANDELA MATHIA DON PEDRO / FRIAR
MEGAN O’CONNELL BEATRICE
ZIGGY RESNICK DON JOHN / MARGARET

CREATIVES
SAMANTHA YOUNG. DIRECTOR
MATHEW LEE. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
BERNADETTE RYAN. COSTUME DESIGNER
DAMIEN RYAN. STAGE DESIGNER
LISA BENHAM. LIGHTING DESIGNER
ALEXANDER LEE-REKERS. SOUND DESIGNER AND MUSICAL DIRECTOR
SORIE BANGURA. PRODUCTION MANAGER
MACKENZIE O’BYRNE. STAGE MANAGER
BIANCA DREIS. ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER
ROBERT JAGO. SENIOR PRODUCER
ISABELLA MILKOVITSCH. ASSISTANT PRODUCER