Bar’d Work: Much Ado About Nothing – REVIEW

By RAQUEL BLANKEVOORT

Performing Shakespeare on any given day is a challenge; performing it for a semi-intoxicated modern-day crowd is a true test of skill and talent — but that’s much ado about nothing for Bar’d Work.  

After cutting their 2020 season short, Bar’d Work has returned with their Shakesbeer Sessions, and their performance of Much Ado About Nothing at the beautiful Oaks in Neutral Bay left the crowd in stitches, clearly able to interact with a play that still hits its mark more than 400 years after it was written. 

Bar’d Work’s modern take on the infamously ridiculous Much Ado About Nothing takes its original 2-hour-length and condenses it into an easily digestible, relaxed 90 minutes with a 10-minute interval. 

Beginning the show with content warnings about explicit language, and explaining that their one hour rehearsal time might cause a few lines or sonnets to go missing, they assured that photos and video usage were permissible throughout the performance.

Then it was full-steam ahead with a stellar performance using limited props, bare minimum costume changes (sometimes mid-speech) and interactions with audience members to get them feeling part of the play every step of the way. 

Bar’d Work’s Shakesbeer Sessions recreate the original setting in which Shakespeare’s plays were performed — in the crowded pubs of the Elizabethan inns with hecklers and raucous quick and lively behaviour. 

They have no doubt succeeded in duplicating this atmosphere, creating a unique night out at your favourite local pub. Much Ado About Nothing is the first play for the season. It’s a timeless story of a strong and wild heroine and a hopeless romantic coming together to save the marriage of their cousins which has been ruined by a nefarious villainous brother. 

The cast of eight roams freely around the tables, often with a drink or shot of gin in hand, using audience members as references to specific parts of the play, and recounting hilarious moments. 

It’s a relaxed, if unorthodox, theatrical environment…except that a performer might suddenly appear on the seat next to you and prompt you for a relevant piece of information for the continuation of the play. You’ll need to pay close attention to the dialogue and story. 

Bar’d Work has produced a true masterpiece of improvisation with singing and heckling encouraged. The audience was even invited to participate in a short dance break of Nutbush City Limits. 

The Shakesbeer Sessions are a must-see with your best mates and/or good-humoured family. 

For information and bookings, visit:

bardwork.com