Scotch College

Much ado about something!

Scotch and Ruyton got together in term two for a most successful season of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

Words: SPENCER SMITH • YEAR 10

From 22 to 24 May, a Scotch College and Ruyton Years 9 and 10 cast performed Shakespeare’s Much Ado about Nothing, directed by Miss Catherine Garrett. The cast included Tommy Jackson as Don Pedro, Alastair McMahon as Benedick, Sophie De Bavay as Beatrice, Spencer Smith as Claudio, Georgia Maling as Hero, Michael Kotaridis as Don John, Michael Kay as Leonato and Michael Johnston as Antonio.

But these boys and girls could not have done it without the enthusiasm and dedication of their supporting cast, and they all deserve to be recognised. They endured long Sunday practices and gave up countless lunchtimes to memorise lines. This was a particularly challenging task, given that the play was performed in the original Shakespearean language. But on those three nights in May, it was all worth it.

The play was a contemporary interpretation of Shakespeare, set in 1950s France. The set was an underground bistro in Paris. The sets were very professional, painted in red, green and blue hues. The designs were very elaborate, and Ms Garrett worked very hard to bring them to life.

The process all began in late February, with several weeks of intensive tryouts. Approximately 120 people auditioned, but by the end only 60 students were chosen for the final cast. Among these the leads were paired, and the rehearsals started.

The rehearsal schedule was demanding both physically and mentally. Rehearsals were on Fridays and Sundays, with some Sunday rehearsals stretching to five hours! However, amid this intense pressure, everyone managed to have a lot of fun. People talked, laughed and created strong friendships in the relatively short time that they had in rehearsals. Ms Garrett helped keep everyone happy by making jokes and microwaving popcorn. When rehearsals ended, it was amazing how much people missed being together every weekend.

Ms Garrett was a wonderful director, and she created a very interesting and creative set design. She gave each actor a reasonable amount of freedom to create his or her character. In return, she expected a great performance, and the cast gave it to her. Opening night went smoothly, and by the final night the performers gave the show of their lives.

There are just four more people who need to be mentioned: the all-important men ‘behind the scenes’. Members of the crew included James Smith, stage manager, Nick Caldwell, lights operator and David Monkhouse, assisting with props. John Colvin was the staff member who organised and supervised these roles during the tech rehearsal.

It was a wonderful play and a great atmosphere for those involved, and I hope everyone who came to watch was entertained.
GS