THERE is always sense of trepidation when you hear the words “modern version of Shakespeare”. We have that Steve Buscemi meme in our heads, however, what we were treated to at the Victoria Hall Theatre on Saturday afternoon was a wonderful, vibrant, dynamic and entertaining adaptation of the Shakespeare comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.

Like the bright blue colours on the set (just like the programme cover below), this was about vibrancy.

Halfway through the performance, we wrote “chemistry” in our notes and that was a vital key to the success here. Even if you knew very little about Shakespeare or it was indeed an alien language, you could appreciate the spirit, the movement and the way the cast worked together.

It was helped by outstanding performances by each actor. Some like Katris Cooper as Beatrice were just so good. She reminded us of Tilda Swinton. Katris just captivated the audience.

Jamie Myles as Don Pedro was her equal. His was a strutting and macho Don Pedro and it was all the better for that.

The entrance of Don Pedro and colleagues was wonderful. A blizzard of black vests. The disco scene soon after was just a joy.

And high praise for Jordan Stratton as Benidick, who was also such a dynamic performer. This was a role that demanded physicality and also character. He had it in abundance.

The physical acting by cast members such as Alfi Howard (Claudio), Jake Hannam (Don John) and the wonderful Dolleen Howlett (Dogberry) was excellent.

But it would be so easy to get so many elements of this production wrong so it is to director Jessica Kielty’s credit (assisted by Alfi Howard) that it was a success.

When Jessica said in the notes that she hoped we enjoy “our Raspberry Ripple flavour Shakespeare” we understood exactly what she meant.

Every actor played their part and more. From Erin Langer as Hero, Ashleigh Jolly as Margaret, Elias Crow as Borachio, Edward Perry and Conrade and Nyah Henderson as Friar.

Two stalwarts of the Harlow theatre scene, Kevin Smith and Adam Thompson were absolute bedrocks here.

Wayward Theatre Company have really got something here. We seem to be a the centre of a red encouraging arts and theatre movement in Harlow. As our community expands,our creativity does as well.

But it needs to be encouraged, nurtured and financed. Otherwise this could be a real missed opportunity.

The audience loved this. It was a very healthy audience for a Saturday afternoon. They loved it like the warn but sunny week we have just experienced. This shone daylight on Shakespeare and we left with a warm glow, an optimistic glow that the bard’s work is in good hands.

Much Ado About Nothing: Victoria Hall Theatre: May 2025

Review by Michael Casey