With the imposing bulk of Nelson’s flagship as a backdrop, Philippa Sargent’s pacey, well-spoken modern-dress production of Shakespeare’s tale of love conquering all defied the elements to delight a small but most appreciative audience, updating the setting by having the soldiers returning from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.
As the verbally sparring lovers Beatrice (feisty) and Benedick (louche), Sarah Miatt and Tim Stokes were wonderfully at odds with each other, the latter particularly showing a fine talent for comedy, creating a relaxed rapport with the audience.
Joanna Blossom’s wronged Hero and Ben Gainey’s gullible Claudio were ideally cast as the duped young lovers, and Randy Vince, as the emotional Leonato, showed great command of the language.
In the end the bumbling Naval Shore Patrol accidentally solves the mystery and Jane Blatch-Gainey, as its leader Dogberry, created a truly original and very funny portrayal of this pompous ass.
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