Royal Shakespeare Company: Much Ado About Nothing at Royal Shakespeare Theatre - Review

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Sat 12 Apr 2025 - Sat 24 May 2025

Set in the world of professional footballers and WAGs, I must admit this new Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) version of Much Ado About Nothing uses some dramatic license. Yet, this modern adaptation fits so perfectly with current times, there's no way I'm giving it a red card and here's why.

Award-winning director Michael Longhurst has thrown himself all in as he tackles Shakespeare's popular rom-com with an innovative concept. The bard's tale has gained a lot of traction with a new generation of late, thanks to Hollywood's very loose version Anyone But You and London's recent 'pink house party' adaptation with A-listers Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell.

This new RSC Much Ado is sure to keep that momentum going as it feels so fresh and relatable. Swapping soldiers triumphantly returning from war into football superstars at Messina FC, the team of heroes is welcomed back into the changing rooms after clinching a championship against Madrid in the opening scene.

Electronic scoreboards and screens surround the audience to create an electrifying stadium atmosphere. Later, these will be used to display secret texts and social media feeds as bride-to-be Hero's honour is shamed on the internet. It's drama akin to the Rooney v Vardy 'Wagatha Christie' case that gripped the nation and very much a tale for our times.



I caught this RSC Much Ado About Nothing at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon, where it runs until May 24 and was immediately gripped by the fast-paced action.

Assertive Beatrice is now a quick-thinking sports correspondent, who spars with swaggering footballer player Benedick, taunting him as 'Signor Own-Goal'. It's one of the small language changes to Shakespeare's script that makes the story feel so punchy and relatable. There's also a lot of vaping, twerking and karaoke later on, none of which looks out of place in this clever, exciting spectacle that's still faithful to Shakespeare's work.

The football analogy means that Benedick's companions are now his manager Don Pedro and fellow players like lovestruck Claudio, who soon swap their football shirts for sharp suits as they party the nights away at a luxury villa.

It's a nice touch that Leonato is the club's rather 'handsy' club owner to his long-suffering PR assistant Margaret. She's played by an impressive Gina Bramhill, pictured second from right, making her a complex character, sadly taken advantage of from all sides.



Freema Agyeman, a former companion of Doctor Who, and Nick Blood, from Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, are ideally cast as likeable Beatrice and Benedick. They both have star quality and wonderful chemistry together on stage, making the romance in this play sparkle.

They have the funniest scenes, especially Blood's one involving a skimpy towel and the hot tub. I noticed, and heard, women of all ages in the audience gasping with delight.

While their love story is the lighter half of the plot, the more sinister revolves around lead striker Claudio being wrongly convinced that Leonato's daughter, Hero, has cheated on him on the eve of their marriage. Daniel Edeosun and Eleanor Worthington-Cox playing them, pictured below, definitely look the part, as though they have just stepped out of the pages of Hello magazine.



Their sleazy fake news is down to foul play by the manager's brother Don John. Nojan Khazai limps around scowling in a leg cast as this baddie, who has enlisted the help of vaping Paparazzi photographer Borachio for his dastardly plan.

With Borachio using AI to distort images on his computer, selling the story to a tabloid and seeing the video go viral on social media, it all fits so well and gives plenty of food for thought on the effect of online abuse. Yes, it will appeal to younger audiences but it's not limited to them and is a fascinating production for all ages in this era of celebrity and social media.

Added to that there are fine RSC sets recreating glamorous parties, footballer changing rooms and celebrity weddings with extra hi-tech flamboyance in this theatre of dreams. Much has been made of the RSC's contemporary twists and updates in recent productions but when they get it right, it really shines.



This cleverly-adapted Much Ado About Nothing is top drawer with striking performances by leads Agyeman and Blood. It's a sparky romance, that's enthralling, hugely relevant and a winner all day long. See it in the short time that you can.

RATING: 5 out of 5 stars


See the RSC website here for tickets, which cost from £8 to £85.

Running time is 2hrs 35mins plus a 20 mins interval

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