Love London Love Culture spoke to actor Caolan McCarthy about the Rose Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, running until 6 May 2018. The production is directed by Simon Dormandy and stars Mel Giedroyc and John Hopkins as feuding lovers Beatrice and Benedick
How are you feeling about being involved with Much Ado About Nothing?
I’m thrilled to be part of this production. I haven’t had the chance to work on Shakespeare since RADA so I’m relishing the opportunity to work on text that, frankly, can’t be beat.
How have preparations been for the production?
Rehearsals were great craic. There are some extremely experienced verse speakers in the company and some high comedians so I am learning so much, not just when I’m on stage with them, but when observing their scenes.
How has it been working with Simon Dormandy?
Simon is great. He is the perfect combination of an actor and a teacher – which I suppose makes a great director. He listens genuinely to everyone’s suggestions and offers whilst maintaining a clear vision for the overall piece.
It seems the play has a new relevance for today’s audiences. How would you say this is reflected in the production?
I think one of the more vivid themes of the play is the misogyny within the society. As modern audiences, we view this very clearly as unfair and wrong, but Elizabethans may not have questioned it as much. In our modern mafia world, we are shining a light on a very sexist culture, so I hope it will resonate that in many aspects of society we have still a long way to go in terms of gender equality.
What can audiences expect from this version of Much Ado?
Audiences can expect wit, style, love, betrayal, friendship, and maybe a few superheroes.
