Mappa Mundi: Much Ado About Nothing

“I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.” Beatrice

War is over and the thoughts of homecoming soldiers turn to love. However, as conflict on the home front ends, Britain’s women are rolling up their sleeves to face a fresh battle – the assertion of their new role in a previously male-dominated society.

One woman in particular is about to embark on her own merry war… Shakespeare’s popular comedy tells of two pairs of lovers. Headstrong Beatrice and proud Benedick live in staunch denial of their true feelings for each other, whilst lovesick Claudio and sweet, naive Hero are head over heels with devotion. But the path of true love never runs smooth, and with foul play and mischief afoot at the hands of devious villain Don John, this classic play promises plenty of scope for Mappa Mundi’s unmistakable style.

Over the past two decades cult Welsh theatre company Mappa Mundi have built a reputation for gloriously irreverent, populist and accessible adaptations of classic theatrical and literary works. With a well deserved reputation for quality, originality and an engaging irreverence that continues to charm audiences and win fans UK wide, this is the company’s first Shakespeare production since 2005.

Mappa Mundi Patrons: Zoë Wanamaker and Robert Lindsay

Supported by the Welsh Assembly Government and the Arts Council of Wales.

November 2011

02Torch Theatre, Aberdaugleddau / Milford Haven

03Torch Theatre, Aberdaugleddau / Milford Haven

05Cornerstone, Didcot

08Lakeside Arts, Nottingham

09Lakeside Arts, Nottingham

10Dukes, Lancaster

11Dukes, Lancaster

12Dukes, Lancaster

12The Castle, Wellingborough

17Theatre Royal, Winchester

18Theatre Royal, Winchester

19Theatre Royal, Winchester

21Civic Theatre, Doncaster

22Civic Theatre, Doncaster

25Theatre At The Mill, Newtonabbey

26Theatre At The Mill, Newtonabbey

October 2011

04Canolfan y Celfyddydau Aberystwyth Arts Centre

05Theatr Brycheiniog, Aberhonddu / Brecon

06Canolfan y Celfyddydau Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea / Abertawe

07Canolfan y Celfyddydau Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea / Abertawe

08Canolfan y Celfyddydau Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea / Abertawe

11Lyric, Caerfyrddin / Carmarthen

12Blackwood Miners Institute

13Borough Theatre, Y Fenni / Abergavenny

14Borough Theatre, Y Fenni / Abergavenny

15The Welfare, Ystradgynlais

18The Coal Exchange

19The Coal Exchange

20Theatr Hafren, Drenewydd / Newtown

21Grand Pavilion, Pothcawl

22The Coliseum, Aberdare

25The Stiwt, Rhosllannerchrugog

26Theatr Colwyn, Colwyn Bay

28Neuadd Dwyfor. Pwllheli

29Galeri, Caernarfon

September 2011

29Mwldan, Aberteifi / Cardigan

30Mwldan, Aberteifi / Cardigan