~ Previous Productions ~

2006 - The Merchant of Venice

2008 - The Winter's Tale

2007 - Much Ado About Nothing

Hatherop Castle

 

The role of Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing is one of the most sought after by actresses, and the 2007 auditions were besieged by aspiring candidates. Significantly the chosen one was accepted by a major drama school during rehearsals, as was her Benedick. Both nineteen-year-olds proved their worth and realised the comedy and passion in their roles.

 

 

During rehearsals, Claudio had to withdraw for personal reasons and his replacement, our redoubtable Puck from the 2005 A Midsummer Night's Dream shone in the role ― this after only a fortnight's rehearsal on coming down from his university.

 

With sumptuous costumes, some recently used in a TV production involving the Tudors (our Duke wore Henry VIII's outfit) the production was match-ready on the last weekend of rehearsal and the actors and support team raring to go. But on the opening night heavy black clouds gathered over Hatherop. Subsequent nights saw a repeat scenario but we were lucky to escape the downpours affecting the rest of England ― until Thursday night when the heavens opened as the play ended and the gales took down part of the set overnight.    On Friday night most of the cast and audience could not reach the venue through the floods. Come Saturday night the cast gave their brilliant all ― with just two exceptions who were, as we were performing, being rafted out of their flooded home. An acolyte hurriedly removed cassock and surplice and became Conrade. And a star was born ― although 'on the book' in his first scene, Olly Ashforth-Smith had the words learnt for the rest of the play.

 

 

Although that Friday was perhaps the disappointing low moment for all, the production sent audiences away entertained hugely by the sophisticated comedy and the cast rose to the challenges presented by the play with verve and spirit. And our two young leads are already launched on what we hope will be rewarding careers.