MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Written and directed by: Abigail von Ahsen and Nicholas Bourchier

Hamilton Arts Festival Te Toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa

21-22 February & 1 March 2026

Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is a romantic comedy where one couple are nearly torn apart by the machinations of a baddie, and another unwilling couple are coerced into falling in love. Writers and directors Abigail von Ahsen and Nicholas Bourchier took the work, added a dash of Jane Austen, and set it in the Regency period leaning into the popularity of Netflix’s Bridgerton. The results of this reimagination were spectacular.

Charismatic Philip Garrity (Benedick) won the audience over from the moment he broke the fourth wall. Opposite him, Courteney Wolstenholme (Beatrice) gave him a run for his money, matching his delivery and wit. Keira McGregor (Hero) seemed as though she had arrived directly from 1814 with a perfect portrayal of a graceful and naïve young woman. Jared Wooldridge (Claudio) well known for approaching his characters with gusto delivered another memorable performance.

The script included a myriad of twists and turns including changing Italian nobleman Leonato into a noblewomen Leonata played by Janine Swainson. Swainson’s brilliant and steadfast presence anchored the cast. The fan fluttering and twittering laughter from the outset established the tone of this amusing performance.  

Philip Garrity as Benedick

The cast thoroughly enjoyed winding each other up with absurd action and expressions. There were several moments where an actor had to take a breath or look away to stay in character. Benedick’s scene with an ivy-covered trellis was genius, a highlight that had the audience howling with laughter. Antony Aiono (Seacole) showcased his ukelele and singing skills, and Ciaran Warner (Don John) proved himself to be an exceptional villain. All sixteen cast members were a thoughtfully selected cohesive ensemble.

Rogers Rose Garden allowed the cast to promenade through the roses to make entries and exits. As an unmic'd production, voice projection was crucial especially when contending with sirens, helicopters, cicadas, and attention-seeking finches. The pacing was spot on, and the cast delivered dialogue confidently and clearly.

The costuming was haphazard and it seemed as though the male cast members had been let loose in a theatre wardrobe without the guidance of an expert in Regency attire. However, their variation in clothing from the Regency period through to 20^th Century added to the overall charm and humour of the production.

Two violinists dressed in Mozart style costumes provided incidental music. In true Bridgerton orchestral-pop form they sprinkled in motifs from artists including Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, and Sergei Prokofiev.

Von Ahsen and Bourchier’s Shakespeare with a Bridgerton makeover was an exhilarating adaptation. It represented the essence of the Hamilton Arts Festival Te Toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa with its fresh, joyful and vibrant storytelling.

The next outing of Much Ado About Nothing is a rite of passage Festival experience, the remarkable 5am performance on Sunday. Following that, the troupe are going on a Waikato tour in March with shows in Hamilton, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, and Te Aroha. See the Waikato Summer Shakespeare 2026 Facebook page for further details.  

Dearest Gentle Reader. Clearly there is much ado about how diverting this production is. One must simply attend as this summer Shakespeare is a triumph of Regency flair, romance and wit. Attendance is advised. To be absent could raise the most unfortunate whispers.