TO MUCH ADO

I am thrilled to introduce myself as the new CEO and Artistic Director of Creation. Lucy Askew led the company brilliantly for a decade, and taking on her role is no small feat. However, the entire Creation team has shown tremendous support. I am eagerly looking forward to meeting more of our audiences, so a warm welcome to tonight’s show. If you happen to see me, please feel free to come over and say hello. One of the most rewarding aspects of this job is discovering that many people have a Creation story to share of a show they loved, or an experience one of their children had at a Creation workshop. Outdoor Shakespeare is making a comeback! This marks our first outdoor Shakespeare production since the pandemic, and we are thrilled to collaborate with OVO and perform in their stunning Roman venue, as well as in Oxford. As we rebuild the arts sector in the post-pandemic era, it is crucial to work together, share resources, and foster collaboration. We are delighted to be partnering with them, and we would greatly appreciate your assistance in spreading the word. We warmly welcome back Helen Tennison, who has directed many of Creation’s most unforgettable productions, to helm this show. You are in for a treat. She describes the show: ‘It’s a laugh-out-loud fun night out in a gorgeous setting with some of Shakespeare’s most beautiful language and hidden depth. The extraordinary actors are impressive in their multi- rolling and adept switches between humour and pathos. There’s some great slapstick humour, and the battle of wits between Benedick and Beatrice is a joy to behold. But beyond that Much Ado About Nothing has a deeper edge. Life feels precarious; the play begins and ends with references to war, and all the characters struggle with the challenge of keeping up appearances. This is an aspect we can all relate to and give the play its depth. As with all Shakespeare’s plays there is an empathy for this aspect of human frailty and a call to dance while you can.’

The show features members of our repertory company. In our efforts to “build back better” post-pandemic, we partnered with two universities to explore what that entails. Job security and financial stability for artists became our top priorities. As a result, we now have four actors on permanent contracts with Creation, ensuring regular pay, holidays, and pensions. This arrangement allows them the necessary headspace to produce their finest work. While it is not easy to secure funding, we kindly ask you to consider making a donation to our fundraising campaign at the end of the production or becoming an Extra—a dedicated supporter who enjoys discounted tickets (as well as discounts on holiday camps) and priority, flexible booking.

So, here’s to enchanting nights of Shakespeare under the open sky. I hope you thoroughly enjoy the experience. Welcome to the world of Creation.