It would be hard to conceive of a more apt oxymoron than that of the ‘merry war’ between Beatrice and Benedick. The school’s triumphant interpretation of Shakespeare’s much-loved play was, as The Bard himself would have said, a very palpable hit!

The play opens in 1919 and the horror of the First World War gives way to the coming Jazz Age. We were treated to some fabulous rag-time music and the cast dancing a very energetic Charleston. The costumes and hair were absolutely spot-on. The set was extraordinary: a giant box hedge with topiary box cones and any number of exotic plants dotted around the stage. This was all so enthralling and none of the characters had yet spoken!

Andrew Langford and Ella Cumber were perfect as the bickering couple. Their brilliant timing and understanding of the language meant that even a Shakespeare novice could pick up on Beatrice and Benedick’s sparkling wit and verbal dexterity.

Felix Buhla is to be congratulated for his strong performance as Leonato, Hero’s father. Felix was performing in not only his second language, but in a language that most native English speakers find difficult to understand! The scene where a distraught Hero, movingly played by Marie-Claire Wood, is verbally and very nearly physically attacked by Leonato, as well as being publicly denounced and humiliated by Ben Ecclestone’s suitably love-struck, Claudio, was extremely powerful.

Tom Jaggs was a convincing Don John, bringing just the right amount of menace and obsequiousness to the role. He was ably assisted by Jordan Hitch and Jack Osborne. There was much laughter when the two villainous henchmen were attacked, and later given ‘wedgies,’ by the splendidly ferocious watchmen played by Will Pratt and Tommy Morgan! Jack’s sparkly pink underpants were a glorious vision atop his gorgeous red hair!

There was much anticipation about the comedy element in the play, which can so often in Shakespeare, fall flat. The audience need not have worried, as we were treated to one of the funniest interpretations of the setting of the watch that I have ever had the pleasure to see. Matthew Stone played Dogberry and Blake Scammell his dubious, rubber-limbed, gurning assistant, Verges. The wheelbarrow and the recalcitrant lantern were just two of the props that seemed to have taken on a life of their own on stage! Matthew and Blake’s comic timing was a joy to behold. The scene descended into delicious slapstick and poor Tommy, Ashley and Will were victims of the most appalling beatings, courtesy of Matthew’s ludicrous Dogberry! Blake’s Verges was treated just as brutally but his fawning admiration of Dogberry ensured that we didn’t feel sorry for him for long.

Mr. Todres and Ms. Hooper have proved once again what a talented team they are. They both have the vision and determination to ensure that all’s well that ends well. I, for one, cannot wait to see what they ‘do much about’ next!

Mrs. Parrack.