Artefact Theatre Co.

is proud to announce the cast for their late October production of Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare.

With a unique slant, Artefact Theatre Co.’s adaptation translates the traditional text into a love letter to Melbourne, peppered with an ounce of social commentary. Set in high-society Fitzroy, we watch local MP, Leonato (Francis Greenslade), give his only daughter away to a youthful soldier, recently back from war. But a case of mistaken identity throws a spanner in the works and the beautiful bohemian wedding is left hanging in the balance.

Whether you’re keen to be in the thick of the action, lounging picnic-style on the lush cushions lining the playing space (Groundling), or you’d prefer a traditional seated theatre experience (Standard), Much Ado About Nothing is a show not to be missed.

What are Groundlings?

In Shakespeare’s times, the theatre was made accessible to everyone. Cheaper tickets were sold to commoners who would stand on the floor, known as the ‘pit’ or the ‘yard’. The term ‘Groundling’ was first coined in around 1600 when, in a performance of Hamlet, the standing crowd were referenced directly. At the time, ‘groundlings’ were widely known to mean small fish with gaping mouths. From where the actors stood, five feet from the ground, the faces of those looking on from below looked just like wide-mouthed fish. The name stuck and the term Groundlings is used in Shakespearean theatre to this day.

Join us as a glamified Groundling and sit on the floor right amongst the action in the comfort of bohemian-style cushions. Don’t forget to Instagram your unique theatre experience with the hashtag #glamgroundling!

Benedick Mark Yeates
Beatrice Cazz Bainbridge
Leonato Francis Greenslade
Antonia Kaarin Fairfax
Don Pedro Tim Constantine
Claudio Louis Reed
Hero Sarah Oliver
Don John Thomas Jones
Borachio Christian Taylor
Conrade Charly Thorn
Dogberry / Attendant Ross Dwyer
Verges / Messenger / Attendant Justin Edbrooke
Margaret Ella Lawry
Ursula Joanna Halliday
Friar Francis / Attendant Annabelle Tudor
Balthazar / Watchman Andy Song
Sexton / George Seacole / Horatio Reuben Morgan

Much Ado About Nothing will play for a limited season from 23rd October – 9th November at the Irene Mitchell Studio, St. Martin’s Youth Arts Centre, South Yarra. Visit the Artefact Theatre Co.

website at www.artefacttheatre.com and get your tickets at http://bit.ly/2kYoii .

Follow Artefact Theatre Co. on Facebook ( /artefacttheatre ) and Instagram ( @artefacttheatre )

Dates: 23rd October – 9th November
Venue: Irene Mitchell Studio, St. Martin’s Youth Theatre, 44 St Martins Lane, South Yarra,
Victoria
Contact: Jen McKinnon, producer@artefacttheatre.com