Much Ado About Nothing: The Merry War – Talking To Our Associate Schools

Fri 25 Mar 2022

Much Ado About Nothing: The Merry War sees young people from 21 schools across Kent come together to bring Shakespeare’s iconic tale of love and disdain, dishonour and loyalty to life. Part of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Associate Schools Programme, a long-term project where schools work with artists and practitioners from The RSC and The Marlowe, The Merry War is a fantastic celebration of the achievements of the young people involved in. We caught up with some of the young people involved during tech week to see how their feeling ahead of their final performance on Monday 28 March…

Much Ado About Nothing: The Merry War is a Shakespeare play adapted by The Marlowe for schools across Kent. I play the character of Don John, the evil character of the play. I’ve enjoyed making the lines sound menacing and angry to show Don John’s temperament. I’ve also enjoyed the fact that we are being treated very professionally, with a director, lighting and microphones and of course being able to perform in The Marlowe Theatre.
Martha, 14yrs, Canterbury Academy

In Much Ado About Nothing, we are performing the final scene. I play Friar Francis and we have been playing small drama game to get us energised before rehearsing. I have particularly enjoyed the experience of rehearsing and learning lines. And the thrill of getting ready to perform on stage! I have learnt about the play as I has not heard of it before. I have also learnt that The Marlowe gives opportunities such as this. I’m excited to perform on Monday as it will give me the feeling of an official actor on stage.
Isabella, 16yrs, The John Wallis Academy

My character is Benedick – he is a witty and humorous character who constantly argues with Beatrice and creates this enemies-to-lovers type of performance. Much Ado About Nothing: The Merry War has been an experience like no other. Not only is it something that’s been extremely fun, but it is preparing me for my dream career in the performing arts. It’s made me realise how relatable Shakespeare plays can be adapted to be and bring new life to old literature. I’m looking forward to the performance on Monday. I’m anticipating the rush of adrenaline. The fact that I can entertain hundreds of people through my passion of the performing arts is thrilling!
Dylan, 15yrs, The John Wallis Academy

I play Benedick in the scene where Benedick confronts Claudio and Don Pedro. We have done tech rehearsals and costume fittings so far. I have really enjoyed being a part of it and the opportunity it has given us. I loved where we have gone to The Marlowe for our tech rehearsals in particular. I have learnt more about what it is like to be a part of a bigger production. And I am really looking forward to the performance on Monday and what the atmosphere is going to be like.
Sophie, 15yrs, Spires Academy

We are performing the last scene of the play and I play Beatrice. Learning about my character has been cool as she’s pretty much the opposite of how a women should behave back then. Playing her have been great because of how confident and iconic she is. I have also enjoyed learning about Shakespeare and his characters and being able to actually understand and experience them. I’m obviously nervous about Monday’ performance, but the excitement overpowers the nerves. Mainly being able to perform with my friends is what I am most happy about.
Grace, 15yrs, The John Wallis Academy

I play Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing: The Merry War and he gets married to Hero. Getting to be in this play is an amazing experience. I’ve enjoyed rehearsing with my friends and meeting new people. I‘ve learned that the Shakespearean language is very different to the modern language. I’m looking forward to watching the other schools perform on Monday!
Mollie, 13yrs, The John Wallis Academy

Much Ado About Nothing: The Merry War performed by The Marlowe’s Associate Schools, is playing on Monday 28 March and tickets can be purchased here. You can also find out more about our Associate Schools here.