OVO putting on Ado at Maltings, St Albans

SHAKESPEARE S comedy Much Ado About Nothing moves forward many centuries in the hands of St Albans-based drama group OVO next week. The chief protagonists Benedick and Beatrice will be fighting it out in post-war England in the production which is OVO s c

SHAKESPEARE'S comedy Much Ado About Nothing moves forward many centuries in the hands of St Albans-based drama group OVO next week.

The chief protagonists Benedick and Beatrice will be fighting it out in post-war England in the production which is OVO's contribution to the St Albans Festival.

It is being performed at the Maltings Arts Theatre next Thursday and Friday, June 25 and 26. The ninth Shakespearean play to be put on by OVO, it is set in 1945 when the brave boys are back from war and the girls shed their overalls for evening frocks, ready for singing, dancing and falling in love.

The central story of fools rushing into marriage is contrasted with the bantering "singletons" who are perfectly matched. The play is punctuated with humour, largely because of the sparkling dialogue between Beatrice and Benedick.

Director Imogen de la Bere said: "We are delighted to be part of this year's festival with such a heart-warming play following the production's critical acclaim at Great Munden in May.

"In these times of doom and gloom, we hope to bring new audiences to the joy of Shakespeare's comedy with a play that celebrates the wonder of love with wit and honesty."

Tickets are available by calling the box office on 01727 844222 or via www.ovo.org.uk