Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare

With a unique slant, Artefact Theatre Co.’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing 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 questions of love, fidelity and honour are 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, 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!

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