by William Shakespeare
Directed by Annie Whittaker

The music scene of the 1970’s plays host to Shakespeare’s classic tale of love, rumor, and innuendo. Rock band The Dukes have arrived at Leonata’s club for their latest gig. Claudio quickly falls in love with the Leonata’s daughter Hero while Benedick and Beatrice engage in a war of words, both promising to never marry.

But Claudio and Hero soon hatch a plot to make Beatrice and Benedick fall in love with each other, while the villainous Don John plots the downfall of both would-be couples. Will the romance end in ruin, or will rock and roll win the day?

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare, often regarded as the greatest playwright in the English language, was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, in 1564. His exact birth date is not known, but it is traditionally celebrated on April 23rd. Shakespeare's prolific literary career spanned the late 16th and early 17th centuries, during which he wrote numerous plays, sonnets, and poems that have since become iconic works of literature. His plays explore a wide range of themes, including love, jealousy, ambition, and the complexities of the human condition.

One of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies, "Much Ado About Nothing," is believed to have been written between 1598 and 1599. Set in the sunny Italian town of Messina, the play revolves around the romantic entanglements and misunderstandings of its characters. Filled with witty banter, clever wordplay, and memorable characters, "Much Ado About Nothing" explores themes of love, deception, and societal expectations. The play's enduring popularity lies in its timeless humor and insightful commentary on human nature, making it a favorite among audiences and scholars alike.

Robyn Bull

Robyn has been with the Dolphin for many years. Starting out on stage as an actor then moving to the dark side as a tech operator and stage manager. She has directed a few shows for Dolphin on her own, however set design has recently become her passion, must be the years spent as an art and drama teacher. She's doing 4sets this year alone.

Robyn has enjoyed working with this outstandingly talented cast and crew and is glad she was able to support, alongside Alison, her old mate Annie in getting this show on the boards.

Merrin Cavel

as Beatrice

Although Merrin has been involved in theatre for over 25 years, having studied and worked extensively in the arts all over New Zealand and abroad (including a stint at Shakespeares Globe Theatre), this is her first time performing in a full length Shakespearean play.

Her most recent stage appearances have been in 'Sweeney Todd' at Playhouse Theatre, 'Laramie Project' at Titirangi Theatre, and 'Dirty Work' for Indian Ink at Q.

'Much Ado' is a fun an accessible play which has been incredibly fun to work on with this amazing team.

Kieren Maskell

as Claudio

Kieran has performed several times at the Dolphin, performing this particular show for the third time. He’s honoured to be working with such wonderful castmates and bringing Annie’s vision to life.

Viktoria Jowers-Wilding

as Leonata

Viktoria’s favourite Shakespeare play is the witty ‘Much Ado About Nothing’. She has always wanted to run a nightclub so playing the matriarch, Leonata  - and bringing Soho to Onehunga - has been a “dream” come true. She gets to boss everyone around and also has the keys to the liquor cabinet (with a little bit of matchmaking on the side). Previous shows include ‘Persuasion’ and ‘Goodnight Mr Tom’ at the Dolphin Theatre, as well as a number of plays and musicals at Howick Little Theatre, Libretto Theatre and the Harlequin Theatre.

Rose Greenall

as Margaret

Rose first became aware that her favourite place is the theatre at the formative age of seven and has been unable to stay away since. If she could find a theatre willing to let her pay rent she would move in tomorrow. 

Her childhood and teenage years were spent in classical theatre training. While at university she was heavily involved with AUT’s drama club, working on and performing in multiple productions. This is her first show with Dolphin. 

Rose haunts various Waitemata libraries by day as the Community Engagement Librarian. 

She would like to thank Dolphin Theatre for this experience and the opportunity to work with so many talented creatives

Andrew Maher

as Verges

Andrew has been a regular performer on Auckland stages.  Recent shows at Dolphin were as Angus in Roger Hall’s “Last Legs”, the butler in Agatha Christie’s “A Spider’s Web” and Ernie in Rehearsal for Murder.  He was also a spectral ghost in “The Revival” but like all good ghosts his appearance was only rumoured at.  

Other notable roles include “Twelve Angry Men” at Centrestage, “The Ladykillers” and “Our Man in Havana” both at Howick little Theatre.  Most recently he appeared in Roger Hall’s two hander “Winding Up” at Titirangi.

He has appeared in numerous television commercials and bit parts in TV shows.

When not in the theatre he is busy producing musical and other stage events.  Just can’t stay away!

Also Andrew is a keen cyclist and active and avid grandfather to seven.

Dominique Pritchard

as Balthasar & Messenger

A regular of Howick Little Theatre, this is Dominique's first show at Dolphin. She's pleased to be in her favourite Shakespeare play, with her daughter Sam.

Paul Greenfield

as Benedick

Paul discovered Shakespeare in high school English and immediately fell in love with the Bard's incredible command of language. Since then, Paul has performed in six Shakespeare productions, this being his seventh. As someone who was 43 before he got married, Paul can sympathise with the roguish Benedick's stance. He is thrilled to act alongside his wife and the rest of the fabulous cast of Much Ado About Nothing.

Gavin Leary

as Don Pedro

Gavin is pleased to be returning to the Dolphin after a 12 year absence when he appeared in Private Lives. During the 12 years between appearances at The Dolphin he appeared in See How They Run, Uncle Vanya and Journey's End at The Brentwood Theatre in the UK. He hopes the gap won't be so long next time.

Daisy Duan

as Conrade

Daisy is very passionate about the arts and actively involved in community theatre. She has participated in various productions from Tom Snout the Tinker in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and Ensemble audition soloist in "High School Musical" in under 48 hours. As a youth associate of the Auckland Theatre Company for 2024, Daisy will keep gaining experience in the theatre world. She is in her final year as a high school student at Baradene College for academic studies.

Lisa Inman

as Ursula

The last time Lisa did a Shakespeare play it was as a witch in Titirangi’s Macbeth, back in 2001. This time round she’s playing someone much less witchy, but still has that mischievous / evil side which is great fun.

She also gets to have an English accent unlike the East European one she used  as Mitzi in A Murder is Announced  last year at Howick Little Theatre.

David Charteris

as Dogberry

I played Conrad in a production of Much Ado at Court Theatre, Christchurch, in 1975.

At the time I watched the actor playing Dogberry and thought this character would be a great role to play and - finally - 170+ roles, 135 shows directed and 49 years later, it is happening!!! Only 10 more years and I get to play Romeo

Sam Pritchard

as Watchman

Rose first became aware that her favourite place is the theatre at the formative age of seven and has been unable to stay away since. If she could find a theatre willing to let her pay rent she would move in tomorrow. 

Her childhood and teenage years were spent in classical theatre training. While at university she was heavily involved with AUT’s drama club, working on and performing in multiple productions. This is her first show with Dolphin. 

Rose haunts various Waitemata libraries by day as the Community Engagement Librarian. 

She would like to thank Dolphin Theatre for this experience and the opportunity to work with so many talented creatives.

E.D. Stewart

as Hero

This is my second time performing at the Dolphin, and it was so good to be back on the stage! Mixing old co-stars with new ones is part of the fun of theatre and we’ve had quite an interesting time bringing this show together over the past couple of months. My character’s definitely one with some complexity and I’ve loved working with what Shakespeare has to offer.

Paul Thompson

as Don John

Since coming to NZ in 2002, Paul has regularly trodden the boards in theatres all around Auckland. Most recently in Alice in Wonderland (French Mouse) Herald Theatre (2020), Robert in Galatea (Stables Theatre Ellerslie) 2022, Prince of Aragon (Merchant of Venice) 2022, and Mr. Page  (Merry Wives of Windsor) 2023, both at Shoreside Theatre Takapuna, Mr. Birtwhistle (The Way of the Raukura - Musical) 2023, The Bruce Mason Theatre, King Menelaus in Women of Troy (Corvus Theatre 2023).

Rochelle Cowie

as Borachio

How wonderful to be back at The Dolphin theatre with my old and now new friends.

I come back from Melbourne for a holiday and then I’m cast in a play 2 weeks before it opens !!

No pressure!!!

But the bonus is I get to stay in wonderful NZ for a few extra weeks longer 

So win win!!!

Tanya Corpuz

as Antonia

Tanya is a dedicated actor with a passion for storytelling. She has trained at UNITEC under esteemed industry professionals and ever since, she has been refining her craft. Tanya's Shakespearean experience includes featured roles in Two Gentlemen of Verona at the Pop-up Globe and Twelfth Night at Unitec. Her versatile career also includes the lead in the bilingual Te Pakkhai, Daisy Su on Shortland Street, and a nationwide tour with Life Education Trust.

Jo Olsen

as Watchman

Jo is thrilled to be performing in Much Ado About Nothing.  She heartily thanks Annie W for casting her and  “would not wish Any companion in the world but” (The Tempest) the wonderful cast she is in. Jo is currently celebrating her 10th year anniversary as part of the Dolphin Theatre family and cannot think of a more appropriate way to celebrate as she has been a huge Shakespeare buff since she were a child. She also wants you to know that this is her second time playing a Much Ado Watchman although back then (2012) she was watchman 3  now playing watchman 1 she feels she has somewhat come up in the world. (somewhere) Anyway she hopes you enjoy the show for ‘Good company, good wine, good welcome can make good people’ (Henry VIII)

Bronwen Arlington

as Friar Francis,  Sexton & Nightclubber

When I joined the Little Dolphin Theatre as a teenager, I never imagined I'd still be performing decades later. Recently, I've appeared in "The Lady In The Van" and the one-act play "Suspicious" at Stables (with Merrin and Paul G), as well as "Go Back for Murder," "Last Legs" (with Andrew), and "Death and Taxes" (with Annie, Kieron, and Paul G) at Dolphin.

At Howick, I was in "The Viewing Room" (with David and Dominique). My first production with Annie was "Kings of the Gym" at Titirangi's Portage Rd venue. Now, in "Much Ado About Nothing," it's great to be back with familiar friends, cast, and crew, and to work with talented newcomers. Thanks, Dolphin.