On the 22nd of February, students from Year 11 to Year 13 had the opportunity to watch a captivating adaptation of Much Ado About Nothing. This timeless Shakespearean comedy revolves around the witty banter and romantic misunderstandings between Beatrice and Benedick, while also exploring themes of deception, love, and honour through the troubled engagement of Claudio and Hero.

For many students, this performance sparked inspiration for their first assessment of the year. Others were motivated to prepare a Shakespearean piece for the Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand (SGCNZ) regional event in Timaru, where they will have the chance to perform on a larger stage.

The production, led by Aidan Therate, was truly a night to remember! The set design was both striking and effective, featuring a backdrop of blue and orange fabrics, mannequins dressed in tunics, and a distinct orange stand—all elements that added depth to the storytelling and character development.

The actors delivered standout performances, making the audience smile throughout the show. From cleverly hiding from one another to composing hilariously cringeworthy love poems, Beatrice and Benedick’s antics were a delight to watch.

Overall, we are incredibly grateful for the experience and eagerly look forward to seeing what Aidan Therate brings to the stage next!