by Eve Davies
ÔÇ£Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more,
Men were deceivers ever,-
One foot in sea and one on shore,
To one thing constant never.ÔÇØ┬á
ÔÇ£I can see he’s not in your good books,’ said the messenger.
‘No, and if he were I would burn my library.ÔÇØ┬á
ÔÇ£Let me be that I am and seek not to alter me.ÔÇØ
Here are just a few of my favourite Shakespeare quotes, all from his kitsch comedy Much Ado About Nothing. Although far from his most respected plays, Much Ado About Nothing is inevitably one of the BardÔÇÖs most light-hearted, feel-good comedies.
When I saw Act OneÔÇÖs eighties revamp of Much Ado About Nothing being advertised, I jumped at the opportunity to attend their opening show on the 17th March. Exhibited in CardiffÔÇÖs Temple of Peace on King Edward VII Avenue, the venue completed an enjoyable, cultured evening.┬á
This was Act OneÔÇÖs first in-person Shakespeare play in three years, and what a way to bring back live classic theatre. Directors Kirsty Richards and Alicia Pearson, along with production manager Euan Prout, certainly know how to put on a show.┬á Their groovy interpretation of ShakespeareÔÇÖs play worked well. The script kept within Shakespearean bounds with interceptions of modern language for comic effect, while the aesthetic of the play was recognisably ‘eighties’.┬á┬á
Costume director, Jess Bragg, was instrumental in nailing this ‘eighties’ style. Bomber jackets, leather, double denim, halter neck crop tops, wide leg jeans, bold geometric patterns, and vibrant colours, gave off ultimate eighties disco vibes.
With many misunderstandings, the play was caked with dramatic irony. For example, Hero (Rhiannon Green) and Ursula (Cleo Widdicombe) purposely discuss BenedictÔÇÖs (Ben Price) love for Beatrice (Libbi Kettle), unaware Beatrice is listening in. Don JohnÔÇÖs (Rita Martins) schemes were also portrayed with immense dramatic effect.
On the topic of tricksters, Catlin RichardÔÇÖs performance of Borachio and Meg ShergoldÔÇÖs take of Conrade were splendid. The pair did a fine job of emulating intoxicated drunken behaviour ÔÇô inspiration was clearly taken from Wednesday nights at the SU!
Quality of performance cannot be discussed without recognition of Ben Price as Benedick. His humorous soliloquies and attempts at playing it cool when it came to interacting with Beatrice made him impossible to dislike. Libbi Kettle impressively captured BeatriceÔÇÖs sassy attitude and sharp tongue through body language, facial expression, and tone of voice, while remaining a likeable character. These two strong personalities provided some of the most energetic, enjoyable moments in the play. Their bickering was superseded by love, and they ended the play a happy couple.
Rhiannon Green as Hero made a perfect conventional heroine: gentle, kind, and only vocal when spoken to. Joe McCartney also did an impressive job of depicting ClaudioÔÇÖs absolute awe of Hero during the first half of the play. After a 15-minute interval, emotions hit hard. GreenÔÇÖs performance during the wedding scene, where she had a panic attack and begged her father, Leonato (Laurie Walker), to believe her, presented her talent of acting with intense emotion. Similarly, McCartney transformed ClaudioÔÇÖs awe into fervent anger, and Walker displayed the vexation of a disappointed father.
Not forgetting Maisie GrangerÔÇÖs and Finlay CrawfordÔÇÖs performances as Dogberry and Verges respectively. They nailed the comedic police officer roles.
Act One was open to gender fluidity in their casting, turning Don Pedro and Don John into sisters as opposed to the brothers they are in ShakespeareÔÇÖs original play. Sian Howells did amazingly well to capture Don PedroÔÇÖs noble yet grounded character while leading the storyline. Aware of her power, Don PedroÔÇÖs motives remained in the interests of her friends.┬á
The work of the behind-the-scenes crew was also applaudable. Natasha Sood nailed the sound, ensuring it was at the right level to fill the large, high-ceilinged hall without echo. The lighting, sometimes cutting into blackouts, was atmospheric thanks to Lottie Dunkley. The set design and props, including the colourful sofa and alcohol bar captured eighties interiors in a subtle way that accommodated action throughout the plot.
Ultimately, marriages, deception, love, flirtation, misunderstandings, humour, and eighties music paired with the outstanding acting of the cast, superb creativity of the production team, and impressive technicality of the crew made for an evening of pure entertainment. 
The Directing Team:
Kirsty Richards ÔÇô Co-Director
Alicia Pearson ÔÇô Co-Director
Euan Prout ÔÇô Production Manager
The Cast:
Ben Price as Benedick
Libbi Kettle as Beatrice
Laurie Walker as Leonato
Sian Howells as Don Pedro
Joe McCartney as Claudio
Rhiannon Green as Hero
Rita Martins as Don John
Caitlin Richards as Borachio
Meg Shergold as Conrade
Bryony Willcock as Antonia
Maisie Granger as Dogberry
Finlay Crawford as Verges
Kaya Thakkar as Margret
Cleo Widdicombe as Ursula
CJ Woodhouse as Balthasar / Watchman
Luke Knights as The Friar
Thomas King as Sexton
Zachary Brown as Messenger / Watchman
The Crew: 
Lottie Dunkley ÔÇô Lighting
Natasha Sood ÔÇô Sound
Joe Lloyd-Perks ÔÇô Stage Manager
Bronwyn Jurevicius ÔÇô Deputy Stage Manager
Billy Edwards ÔÇô Props Master
Gruffydd Edwards ÔÇô Set Design
Jess Bragg ÔÇô Costume
Ally Dell ÔÇô Hair & Make-up
Anesha Hamood ÔÇô Hair & Make-up
Act One’s next production is 39 Steps, taking place between Thursday 28th April and Saturday 30th April.