Queensland Theatre Company celebrates the 400-year legacy of William Shakespeare with a delightful, contemporary performance of his classic comedy Much Ado About Nothing. Their first preview show, on April 23, marked the 400th anniversary of the Bard’s death.
Much Ado About Nothing is often touted as the “world’s first romantic comedy”. This amusing battle of the sexes is, at its core, a study of what some people will do for love, and what others will do to avoid it. The plot focuses mainly on two very different sets of sweethearts – starry-eyed young lovers Hero and Claudio, and the bantering, bickering friends Beatrice and Benedick, both sworn off the frivolities of love and marriage until their friends help them to see their relationship in a different light. Despite the physical comedy and hilarious banter, the play also explores darker elements of spurned affections, family loyalty, and betrayal.

Director Jason Klarwein spoke at the play briefing about how the company had gone about contemporising the play, which also marks his mainstage directorial debut. “By its nature it is contemporary, because it is happening now,” he said. “It is set in modern dress and modern times. Think a tropical island out on the Great...