Much Ado About Nothing

After a successful production last year, the Rangitoto College Drama Department established a dedicated Shakespeare Company in 2025. Their first production was Much Ado About Nothing, a comedy set in a contemporary Texas rodeo environment. The cast successfully mastered Shakespearean language, American accents, and line dancing, bringing humour and life to the complex text.

The student performances were exceptional. Senior leads Eve Hughes and Fergus White captivated audiences as Beatrice and Benedick, while Mila Goldthorpe and Max Lloyd gave sensitive portrayals of Hero and Claudio. Lachlan Merriman played Don Pedro with natural authority, and Ramiz Ben was a compelling villain as Don John. The entire ensemble, from years 9-13, performed with great skill. The show’s technical aspects were also expertly managed by the student Tech Crew.

The production was a wonderful success, showcasing the remarkable talent of everyone involved.

TIC – Heather Warne

Cast:
Thomas Allan: First Watchman
Ramiz Ben: Don John
Anthony Chen: Child
Preston De Alwis: Sexton
Troy Etherton: Dogberry

Michael Fielding: Friar

Maddie Gielen: Child

Mila Goldthorpe: Hero

Lincoln Goodgame: Leonato

Maisie Green: Child

Laela Higgins: Ursula

Eve Hughes: Beatrice

Liane Jansen van Rensburg: Child

Rosie Lenik: Messenger, Balthasar