Page 20 - Luce 2023

N ews a nd Events

Much Ado About Nothing

JCH student, Angus Maclaurin (2022), shares
his own inimitable recollections of the JCH play,
Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

Friends, I have been deemed ‘the most senseless and fit
man for the job’ of reviewing the post-COVID return of the
revered and eagerly awaited annual Janet Clarke Hall play.
In August we were privileged to view the performance of
William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing. I like to
believe I was chosen to be the reviewer due to my stature
as a Bard buff, but alas, it is more likely due to my senseless
wit and my tragi-comic life.

I expected a particular rendition of Much Ado, one that
would lean into the wit and absurdity that keeps this play
a crowd favourite. Subtle alterations and not-so-subtle
comic improvisation defined a most enjoyable and expertly
executed production.

Keeping the audience on their toes was a trait of this
production. But, ironically, there I was with my feet up, The cast of Much Ado About Nothing during rehearsals
cup of tea in hand, almost tearing up with laughter as
Darby glided down the aisle, the most majestic flower girl a
Shakespearean production has seen outside the Globe. This show of theatrical nous from the directors was key to the
production’s charm, again evident in the unenviable bachelor
This was one of many alterations to the original play Benedick played with aplomb by the enviably talented student
overseen by the production’s brilliant directors, Megan Charlie, a standout among many only matched by Elise as
Barry and Lexie Jaensch. The most striking was the splitting Hero. She gave a calm and composed performance befitting a
of the role of Beatrice between two performers, Della and character who finds herself amid a somewhat complicated set
Kriti. What may have thrown off an unsuspecting audience of weddings.
became an endearing piece of casting.
As Claudio, Shanuka played the part of the hasty lovebug of
the play with gusto. The mischievous Don Pedro, delivered
with poise and prowess by Carina, was a joy to watch. Again,
the brilliant casting of the production was on display in the
charm of Ellie and her performance as the scheming Friar,
along with the clueless Dogberry played by Eve and the
malevolence of Ella as Don John. Not to forget Margaret,
played by the equally inappropriate and intrusive presence of
Sylvie and the ever-complaining Conrade, played by Abby,
both actors seemingly typecast for their roles.
Jokes aside, full credit must again go to Megan Barry; not
content with co-directing the production, her performance
as Leonato came with a smile and smirk perfect for the pally
patriarch. Alongside Megan, Lexie brought an expert level of
stage management that exhibited an eye for detail that turned
the Junior Common Room into our own little Parkville Globe.

Thank you and well done to all involved. I feel very fortunate
to have witnessed the first JCH production post-COVID. It was
a night full of laughter and smiles, where one could expect
side-splitting comic delivery, expert stage management and
off-the-cuff profanity. Indeed, it was ‘all mirth and no matter’
or perhaps I should say ‘… and no manner’.

Shanuka and Elise embrace the high emotions of Shakespeare

20 LUCE Number 21 2022