Shakespeare at the Tobacco Factory (stf) returned for their 20^th Bristol season this year with Shakespeare’s comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Elizabeth Freestone.

The story examines how hard it is to be vulnerable and how we navigate the precarious path to finding love. Looking at the lies we tell each other, the deception and self deception, Shakespeare's play is accessible to all ages and is timeless in its content. The King’s pupils, regardless of understanding the Shakespearean language, could follow the story through the excellent modernisation of setting, costume and technology. The vivid array of characters allowed them all to relate to the action on the stage and follow the trickery, pretence and deception throughout the two acts. Without exception, the pupils favourite performance came from Geoffrey Lumb for his portrayal of Benedick.

The Tobacco Factory Theatres has an incredible atmosphere and the close proximity to the stage allows the pupils to feel involved with the production. I am certain it is a performance that will not be forgotten and will be invaluable to their examinations and devising later this year.

Will Stainton - Head of Performing Arts

What an excellent performance of #MuchAdoAboutNothing @tftheatres! Thank you to @ShakespeareatTF for another great year; all @KingsBruton #Drama pupils loved it! pic.twitter.com/opYT9TEh7E

— Fitzjames Theatre (@KSBTheatre) November 6, 2019