#melbourne REVIEW - Much Ado About Nothing at Southbank Theatre. Anastasia and Renata headed to the city to see Much Ado About Nothing by @melbtheatreco at Southbank Theatre.
Here’s what they thought before the season wrapped up: “Much Ado About Nothing, a Shakespearean comedy exploring not only romance, but the impacts deception can lay upon reputation. The sassy Beatrice and Benedick, perfect for each other but too blind to see it, instead having been tricked into love. The tragic, young lovers Hero and Claudio, their love torn apart from false accusations at the altar. A play worth your time, exploring how the characters frequently act upon these accusations, much ado about nothing. The misunderstanding and gossip leading to unnecessary chaos over false information. One pair tricked into believing one is in love with the other, casting aside their views to fall in love. Another pair tricked so one would appear to be unfaithful, and abandoned before their wedding. A wonderful comedy production which brought joy and laughter from the audience, from funny sexual jokes, to heartbreaking moments, then leading cheerful times. ‘Much Ado About Nothing’, featured at Southbank Theatre as the 20th of December was its last performance day. Yet it was worth the time of many, a stunning play.”
Duration: approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 20-minute interval. Recommended for ages 15+ due to mature themes and sexual references.
Strap in for a theatrical feast to send the year out on a high, with Shakespeare’s classic comedy of love’s ecstasy and complexities.
Beatrice and Benedick are the most modern of Shakespeare’s couples. They have history. They love to hate each other, yet everyone around them knows they’re perfect for each other. Can love really conquer all?
This brutally funny battle of the sexes is brought ferociously to life by Helpmann Award-winner Alison Bell (The Letdown) and AACTA Award-winner Fayssal Bazzi (Stateless) in his Melbourne Theatre Company debut.
Beatrice and Benedick will fight for their lives against their happily ever after in a play packed full of drama, intrigue and romance. Brimming with wild reversals and hilarious collisions, this outrageously popular romantic comedy has captivated audiences for centuries.
Now, for the first time in 30 years, the Company presents a brand new production of Shakespeare’s joyous war of words and razor-sharp banter, under the direction of Associate Artist Mark Wilson (Jacky).
Event Details:
Dates: 14 Nov — 20 Dec 2025
Duration: Not provided
Suitable for: Recommended for ages 15+
Location: Southbank Theatre, The Sumner
Warnings: Mature themes
Notes: Audio described, Tactile Tour, Open and Closed Captioning, Auslan and relaxed performances available.