Classic tale taken to the outdoors
Leading Scottish Shakespeare company Bard at the Botanic will bring an outdoor show described as a “joyous comedy” to the Macrobert in the coming weeks.
Much Ado About Nothing will be showing outside the venue which is located in the picturesque grounds of the University of Stirling campus, on Saturday, August 4.
It follows the path of two central characters, Benedick who is never, ever getting married and Beatrice who can’t imagine a man she could tolerate let alone spend her life with – so they may just be the perfect couple.
They tease and insult one another, and work hard to give the impression that neither of them is the least bit interested in the other, all the while maintaining they will never marry anyone, let alone each other.
The romantic misfits are placed at the heart of a world populated by freaks and oddities – a Victorian travelling circus. And anything can and does happen when this theatrical cast of characters get together for a party.
Things do eventually change between the pair although the path of true love certainly does not run smooth as the lovers face obstacles both accidental and deliberate.
Those at the Macrobert say the show sparkles with wit and romance, and is the perfect show for summer’s evening in Stirling.
It is believed the original Much Ado About Nothing was written by William Shakespeare in the late 16th century – in 1598 or 1599. It was set in Messina, a port on the island of Sicily.
The piece was published in 1600 and later included in Shakespeare’s First Folio collection of plays published in 1623. The earliest recorded performance was in 1612 or 1613.
It has since been adapted for various platforms with film, television and stage productions.
People are invited to bring along a picnic to enjoy with the show, which starts at 7pm. Alcohol cannot be brought along but will be available to purchase on the night.
If the weather turns out to be less than ideal, and conditions take a turn for the worse, the performance will relocate indoors to the Mainhouse.
Tickets are still available and are priced at £10.50, £8.50 for concessions and £5.50 for students.
They are on sale now from the Macrobert Box Office on 01786 466666 or at macrobertartscentre. org.