The MADC is to return to San Anton Gardens to produce its annual Shakespeare play. The venue used to be extremely popular for the annual open-air production through the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s.

This year’s production will be of the comedy Much Ado About Nothing. Considered to be the bard’s most contemporary comedy, the play revolves around two pairs of lovers, Beatrice and Benedick and Claudio and Hero, and the obstacles to the two young couples’ union.

           Beatrice and Benedick’s love-hate relationship is a true ‘merry war of the sexes’.  Benedick thinks he hates Beatrice while in reality he really loves her and Beatrice also thinks that she hates Benedick when in truth she loves him.

The fast and witty script, full of colourful characters and direction by Chris Gatt are sure to contribute to an entertaining night for audiences. 

Set in the post-war 1940s, Much Ado will deliver a reminder of the great screwball comedies featuring Cary Grant, Spencer Tracey and Katherine Hepburn. 

Gatt believes that the play is a favourite of actors and audiences alike.  “We have a wonderfully comic cast, two weddings, one funeral and everybody enjoys a good knees up!  And the script is well suited to the beautiful gardens at San Anton.”

The cast includes several theatre veterans, including Malcolm Galea, Stefan Cachia Zammit, Polly March, Colin Willis and Faye Paris as well as some fresher faces to the theatre scene.

Much Ado About Nothing will be staged between 24 and 30 July at 8:45pm. Tickets start at €15 and can be purchased from www.madc.com.mt.  Booking opens on 3 July.