Much Ado About Nothing

By William Shakespeare | Director James Evans
17-27 July 2019, Arts Centre Melbourne

Bell Shakespeare returns to Melbourne with Shakespeare's classic comedy Much Ado About Nothing.

Directed by James Evans, this new production will open at Arts Centre Melbourne on 17 July ahead of a 27-venue national tour.

Much Ado About Nothing is a saucy and razor-sharp battle of wits between the bickering Beatrice and Benedick. Award-winning actor and musician, Zindzi Okenyo (Antony and Cleopatra), will star as the whip-smart Beatrice, with Duncan Ragg, taking on the role of Benedick.

Joining them on stage will be renowned comedian Mandy Bishop, Home and Away-alum Will McDonald, Vivienne Awosoga, Danny Ball, Marissa Bennet, Suzanne Pereira, Paul Reichstein and David Whitney.

After directing last year's national tour of Julius Caesar, director James Evans is thrilled to again steer the 2019 tour.

"Much Ado About Nothing is the original 'from hate to love' romantic comedy that we've seen repeated in films and plays since Shakespeare's time. But beneath its sparkling wit and hilarious characters, there is a dark conflict that drives this play to the edge of tragedy."

"The story flips from uproarious comedy to utter heartbreak in an instant, and then back again. That is the genius of Shakespeare, and why this play is one of my favourites."

This contemporary production will be a powerful exploration of the struggle for identity and self-knowledge in a male-dominated world.

Much Ado About Nothing will play at Arts Centre Melbourne from 17 - 27 July. Tickets can be bought directly from the Arts Centre Melbourne box office. Prices range from $45.00 - $95.00 plus booking fee.