Much Ado About Nothing at Victoria Baths
Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor
Performed as part of Greater Manchester Fringe Festival and following on from their award-winning performance of Clouds at the Pankhurst Centre in 2019, the Cheshire-based theatre company, Time & Again, return with a nautical adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. This site-specific performance will take place in a swimming pool in the atmospheric surroundings of Victoria Baths.
This site-specific performance will take place in a swimming pool.
In this unique and refreshing production, the original setting of picturesque Messina on the island of Sicily has been swapped for the high jinks of Messina Holiday Camp. This is a Great British seaside excursion, Bard-style. Set in the 1950s, amidst the bickering of Benedick and Beatrice – misunderstandings and mistaken identity cause absolute chaos on the holiday camp.
A hilarious tale of romance, deception and confusion in love, this Shakespearean comedy has been a favourite with audiences for centuries. However, Time & Again Theatre are set to put their own stamp on this popular work. Think deck chairs, knotted handkerchiefs, ‘50s style dancing and beautiful vintage costumes all in the wonderfully historic setting of Victoria Baths.
Think deck chairs, knotted handkerchiefs, ‘50s style dancing and beautiful vintage costumes all in the wonderfully historic setting of Victoria Baths.
Time & Again Theatre Company were established in the summer of 2017 and their main interest is to explore historical texts and bring them to the stage with a relevant and fresh new perspective. The company’s first two productions – Greyhounds and Clouds – both received successful runs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Manchester Fringe Festival, rural touring runs and off-West End dates. Clouds, a feminist-fuelled tale of Edwardian aviation, also went on to win the Oldham Coliseum Pick of the Fringe Award in 2019.
Much Ado About Nothing is suitable for all ages and Time & Again Theatre are sure to lift hearts this summer with their version of this well-loved comedy.
