A lone uniformed figure stands before a candlelit church-like setting under deep blue light and stained-glass patterns.

Bellairs Theatre, Ivy Arts Centre2025

Much Ado About Nothing

The Production

Guildford School of Acting’s Bellairs spring-season production of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing formed part of GSA’s 2025 student production programme. The staging was also part of GSA’s Theatre Green Book-led work, with a design approach centred on re-used scenic and costume stock.

46 photographs in the curated edit

Director: Jaq Bessell
Lighting Design: Elanor Higgins
Set & Costume Design: Jenn Taillefer
Sound Design: David Lewington
Commissioned by: Guildford School of Acting
Photography: Steve Gregson

A masked performer in white gloves peers through a large circular prop under deep blue light.

Two uniformed men stand together in a pool of light on a sparse stage filled with haze and scattered chairs.

A uniformed man reaches out emphatically beside a white planter, his expression animated.

A masked ensemble dances across a blue-lit stage beneath hanging fabric, surrounded by party guests and a banquet table.

A uniformed man embraces a woman in a black dress with a white feathered accessory.

Figures move as dark silhouettes in saturated blue light, one kneeling and another pointing across the stage.

A woman smiles into a tabletop mirror while another performer arranges her hair or costume behind it.

A formal ceremony gathers around a central table under blue light while seated performers watch from either side.

A woman in a pale dress presses a handkerchief to her mouth while a uniformed man stands blurred behind her.

A wide masquerade scene unfolds under blue lights and suspended fabric, with figures spaced around a table.

A performer in a cap and moustache holds up a lantern against a deep blue background.

Two women in pale coats and gloves clasp hands and smile on the open stage.

An empty altar-like table glows in warm red light on a dark stage.

A performer with a painted moustache and flat cap smiles while holding a small gesture in warm stage light.

Several performers gather around someone low to the floor beneath blue and yellow light, with others watching from benches.

A uniformed man stands in blue smoke with his arms open in a dramatic pool of light.

A uniformed man wearing a half-mask stands alone in warm haze.

Two masked women in white dresses lean over a banquet table among decanters and glasses.

Three performers lean over a balcony rail, one holding a violin, smiling under stage light.

A solitary figure in a dark dress crosses a blue-lit stage, casting a long shadow.

A uniformed man bends to kiss a woman's gloved hand as she looks down at him.

Performers rush across the stage in a diagonal burst of movement under vivid blue and magenta lighting.

Performers sit around a large square table, lit from above on the patterned stage floor.

Two women in pale dresses hold each other closely, one looking upward with emotion.

A uniformed man holds up a handwritten paper before stained-glass panels and a shadowed balcony of onlookers.

A uniformed woman stands below a balcony with arms spread wide as figures watch from above.

A woman in a patterned white-and-black dress looks aside as a uniformed man stands softly blurred behind her.

An ensemble faces off across a broad stage, their shadows stretching across the patterned floor.

A crew member in glasses holds a glowing lantern-like prop backstage.

A uniformed man with a bucket on his head stumbles forward while another performer reacts behind him.

Two women in pale dresses stand tensely in the foreground as a gesturing hand enters from the side.

Three soldiers lean on a metal railing against a dark brick wall.

Two performers pose among thick ropes and a suspended wooden seat, one seated in a bonnet and coat.

A uniformed performer stands in side light before stained-glass panels and rows of candles.

Couples dance across the stage in colourful light, with a central pair turning face to face.

A performer in a dark jacket writes on a sheet of paper under a tight pool of light.

A uniformed man addresses others with an outstretched arm as the ensemble watches behind him.

Two women meet between tall planters on a misty stage framed by hanging fabric.

A masked woman in a dark dress looks upward in a tight spotlight while other performers blur behind her.

Two uniformed men stand far apart in a wide stage space with pale beams falling behind them.

A lone uniformed performer stands between tall decorative planters in a wide, brightly lit stage space.

A uniformed man gestures with one hand while holding a bottle, with another soldier standing in hazy light behind him.

A man kneels before a woman in a pale gown while formally dressed performers observe nearby.

A dancer leans back in the foreground as an ensemble runs and dances through pink and blue light.

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