RSC Love's Labour's Won

A great version! http://www.sydneyartsguide.com.au/the-royal-shakespeare-companys-in-loves-labours-won/ This glorious comedy presented by the Royal Shakespeare Company is more commonly known as MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. The Bard’s narrative has been transposed from sunny Sicily to a bitterly cold December in the UK at the end of 1918 . The action in this version is set in an Elizabethan manor at Charlecote Park, just outside of Stratford-upon-Avon, at Christmas and the house has been turned into a hospital. Beatrice and Hero are among the nurses. There are plenty of laughs with delicious comic timing, but the film is also, at times, at certain times quite dark. A scene that comes to mind is when poor Hero is unjustly accused. Strong, feisty, argumentative Beatrice is delightfully played by Michelle Terry who impresses delivering her delicious, witty lines. Terry’s most eye catching outfit is a very stylishly cut purple trouser suit. It quickly becomes apparent that Beatrice and Benedick have a rocky, hidden past. Edward Bennet has much fun stealing the show as world weary determined batchelor Benedick .He has some wonderful witty lines and he delivers his monologues impeccably. His ‘gulling scene’ with the Christmas tree was hilarious. The audience was in fits of laughter. The battle of wills between Beatrice and Benedick are played out memorably. When Beatrice demands that Benedick ‘Kill Claudio’ she is a hissing spitfire. Our second leads, the young lovers Hero and Claudio, were terrifically played. Flora Spencer-Longhurst makes for a gorgeous looking Hero. Beautiful and completely innocent of all she is accused of, passionate and determined, she suffers dreadfully yet all is put right at the end. Young patrician Claudio, well played by Tunji Kasim, is elegant and well favoured. He is tricked and deceived and suffers and eventually attempts to make things right, if he possibly can. All thankfully ends as happily as possible. Don John, the malevolent villain of the show, played by Sam Alexander, is portrayed as a walking wounded, extremely embittered soldier. I agree with the character of Leonato who described Dogberry and his cohorts as rather tedious- a kind of Dad’s Army troupe- though some in the audience enjoyed their shenanigans. The film featured fine ensemble work throughout. The film is well directed by Christopher Luscombe. A feature of the film is the great attention to detail in its production values. The costumes, set and lighting designs are sumptuous. Composer Nigel Hess ‘ marvellous score, influenced by Coward and Novello and with hints of early jazz, and includes Christmas carols and Debussy. The score is a a treasure-trove of wistful yet stirring songs that conjure a lost England wistfully re-imagined . All ends delightfully. Both cast and audience are practically dancing in the aisles. Running time – allow about 3 hours 20 including one interval The RSC’s LOVE’S LABOUR WON is playing at cinemas from Saturday 4th April. Share this:3Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)3Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)