Much Ado About Nothing is a classic Shakespeare comedy and a favourite of many. It is sparkling, witty and dramatic with serious characters, comic characters, highly intelligent characters and those that are not so! It offers plenty for an enjoyable summer evening of theatre. Our production is modern dress and it is fascinating how well the dialogue written over 400 years ago complements today's types of people.

The play

Leonato, Governor of Messina and his daughter Hero and niece Beatrice welcome Don Pedro Prince of Arragon and his companions Claudio and Benedik back from conflict. Claudio falls in love with Hero and Beatrice and Benedik pick up their long running bittersweet relationship which interweaves the whole play. Through the machinations of Don Pedro’s brother Don John disastrous events begin to unfold…and tragedy is averted by the quick thinking actions of solid citizens Dogberry and Verges.

The length of our production is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes including a 20 minute interval.

Beatrice and Benedick played by Philippa Tatham and Trevor Murphy

Matters are not improving!

Benedick and Claudio (played by Simon Nader) are notting getting on too well either.

Hero (Gemma Barrett) and Margaret (Lisa Castle) are bonding much better.

Hero with father Leonato (played by Oscar Blend)

See more rehearsal photos on our Facebook Page

Director and Producer

Director Simon Bolton is a founder member of Rooftop Theatre Company and this is the fourth Shakespeare production he has directed for Rooftop. He trained at Birmingham School of Speech and Drama and has furthered his acting and directing career alongside teaching and more recently training managers and team leaders in influencing and communication skills.

He is ably supported by assistant director and producer Paul Sayers, also a founder member of the company. Paul directed the first two Rooftop Shakespeare's and alongside theatre activities runs his own business as a career and business coach and consultant.