Much Ado About Nothing Reviews

Not Me from Norwich

NO

No, Anonymous, you were not the only person who did not really enjoy this play. I'm remaining anonymous because my partner parted with a lot of hard earned cash to take me, and we travelled a long way. The big problem for me was that the audience was obviously made up largely of fans of the two stars, who would have got the acclaim for just standing there. So there was much false laughter throughout, but why laugh at the tragedy? For a Shakespeare novice, it was very confusing. David Tennant appeared not stretched in this role, and Catherine Tate, who is clearly capable did revert to her comic characters. Overall, very disappointing. An evening spoilt by an audience of groupies, who appeared not to be able to give the stars and the rest of the cast the respect they deserve. But it wasn't the best production either. Sorry team.

Stagegirl from Manchester

SLAGS, DRAGS AND FAGS

Well that was very disappointing. Yes, Tennant was good, but so understretched. Hammy for something to do maybe? I heard every one of Tate's character voices - what was Nan doing in the chapel hooting? And yes, the audience was largely made up of their fans who screeched, clapped and cheered most entrances and exits to the point where they did it inappropriately and without meaning. But Adam James was brilliant. Silly teetering heels meant no-one moved with grace, but sort of scuttled everywhere. Slags, drags and fags? Well, it wouldn't have surprised me if Hero had been off with someone else - where was the virginal innocence? And Benedick in drag? I think not - he was too much the man to debase himself in that way. And the cigarettes? Every character, all the way through? Surely they could act nonchalent/cool/bored etc without needing the giveaway prop? A fine clutch of actors, poorly used and a rich text brayed over by the audience. Sad.

Anon from UK

DISAPPOINTED

Stagegirl - I couldn't agree more with every word you say. Adam James was so good as, I thought, was Tom Bateman. The slapstick approach to the humour meant that folk who knew no better drowned out the the dialogue and the characterisations were in the main superficial. Catherine Tate's references to her well known characters were tiresome and I found her Beatrice's wit to come from a place of malice rather than goodness and fun. I now have to get me to the Globe for an emergency production in order to get things in proper perspective again. I am glad I saw it if only to remind me of the quality of Shakespeare I can get for £5 across the river!

Anna from London

THE CATHERINE TATE SHOW HITS THE WEST END

I completely agree with an earlier reviewer - this is shakespeare as farce. Catherine Tate gives us the full range of her TV show characters, pulls faces and gurns, while Tennant hams it up unmercifully. My rating is entirely for the supporting cast members, who have to struggle against the leading actors panto and the shrieking laughter of the audience whenever Tate rolls her eyes. The whole play is a blatant vehicle for the TV stars, and while Tennant at least appears to understand his part, Tate simply treats the play as a sketch in her TV show.

Theatrelover from London, UK

DISAPPOINTING...

I'm frankly baffled by the reviews which claim this to be a good, even great, production, but suspect that for most of the reviewers Tate and Tennant could have stood reading the phone book... From middle stalls Tate was largely inaudible, while Tennant tended to gabble; neither displayed any feel for the language. The director clearly played almost everything for laughs, with the added problem of unnecessary additions which detracted from the play - really excessive smoking and overloud music being the most obvious, but even blocking of the cast positions was pretty poor - it was apparantly designed for impact rather than credibiity. OK, this was an early performance (we saw it on the first night) and hopefully it will improve; but, unless you're an uncritical fan of Tate and/or Tennant, you may be better off with another production.

John from London

C LONDON

Save your money, make a sharp exit from the box office [before handing over any cash], head South of the river to the Globe! Eve Best and Charles Edwards in another league!! 1* for the pleasant set / design.

Anonymous from Anytown, AT 55555

NOT FOR ME

Just didn't work for me. Although Tennant is indeed a good actor it was all just too silly. I didn't stay for the second act, the lack of leg room was also an issue.

Page:123456789101112All