Grassroots Shakespeare Much Ado About Nothing - Scoop Theatre Festival Review

The Grassroots Shakespeare Company UK have officially kicked off the start of the free Scoop Theatre festival right near Tower Bridge. Originally founded in the US, a UK company was formed last year and I was lucky enough to catch their debut performance of A Midsummer Nights Dream at the Victoria Embankment Gardens. Their approach is unique: no director, minimal sets, minimal costumes and no proverbial fourth wall. It all makes for a highly-energised and fun take on the work of our beloved Shakespeare. This year they are back with the comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. The story goes that two young lovers, Claudio (Samuel Griffiths) and Hero (Noor Lawson) are soon to be married but a very bitter Prince (Aaron Tavaler) is looking to break up the nuptials. All the while , two very wary lovers, Beatrice (Jennifer Carter) and Benedick (Leo-Marcus Wan), continue to partake in incessant but witty bickering which threatens to separate the two forever. So , a bit of drumming and we're off ! The cast started their opening night soaked in rain with grey skies over head. Despite the bad weather, the troupe carried on and miraculously so did the clouds. It was a delight to watch this spirited company play out one of Shakespeare's most loved comedies. They have managed to find and create wonderful even modern comedic moments in the text. For instance, a very boastful , Farrelly brothers-esque Don Pedro declares €œwe are the only love-gods€ challenging cupid with his arms open wide from the top of the back stairs of the amphitheatre and later €œAll You Need Is Love€ is sung to tease Benedick about being such a love struck puppy. The interaction with the audience was wonderful as well. The hilarious duo of Dogberry ( Liz McMullen) and Verges (Cornelia Baumann) grabbed a man out of the audience to accuse him of wrongdoing while Beatrice slung an arm around the same guy while she eavesdropped on Ursula (Siobhán Daly) and Hero's conversation of Benedict's undying love for her . Grassroots' interpretations of Shakespeare are fresh, animated and accessible for even those who are Shakespeare novices. Definitely get down to the Scoop to see them. They're on till the 9th then off to the RSC. For more information on the company click herehttp://grassrootsshakespeare.co.uk . For all the events happening at the Scoop festival visit http://www.morelondon.com/scoop.html.