If you’re looking for a casual night with loads of hijinks and hops being brought to a time-honoured Shakespearean text, then this show is the for you! Whether you’re an aficionado or a novice when it comes to the work of The Bard, this grassroot gem of a Fringe show is guaranteed to get you giggling and glass-clinking, along with its brave and unruly cast of local talent.

Taking an elaborate rom-com story like ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ was guaranteed to be complicated, which made the work from the actors even more impressive to watch - especially as they recovered from the hilarious moments when the story went off-course into other accents, genres, and other improv elements.

Although the lack of explanation and context in the beginning made it difficult to follow and understand how the night would go, particularly as a newcomer, the format of the show eventually became easier to catch-onto, especially after a little liquor and audience participation. The recycling of props and the utilisation of a small, simple space brought the audience organically into the world being created, and allowed the performers to authentically express themselves and their love of performing.

While the story was fun to follow, admittingly the most joyful and heart-warming part of the show was being able to see the comradery and trust between the cast and crew members of Pre-Game Theatre, as they continued to work together and support each other throughout the chaos of impromptu prompts and adherence to the drinking rules at play - while also progressing through the story of one of Shakespeare’s convoluted comedies.

I honestly do love nothing in the world so well as local performers with passion and creativity, and I’d definitely propose a toast to the good health of the Booze and The Bard series, for many festivals to come!