THERE is, perhaps, an element of serendipity about the directorial debut of Tamara Harvey at Theatr Clwyd with her entertaining and accomplished take on Shakespeare's comedic romp Much Ado About Nothing which, in reality, is just the opposite, featuring a big bundle of blundering social gaffs and subterfuge, well-laced with gags.

Presumably Tamara was keen to join in the shindigs this year as the whole theatrical world – literally on a global scale - is embracing the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death.

And it may be just a coincidence but she actually began her career at the much-lauded Shakespeare's Globe theatre in London, where - in the original building, naturally - William Shakespeare was himself reportedly feted.

Wirral Globe:

Lisa Palfrey as Beatrice and John Ramm as Benedick in 'Much Ado About Nothing'. Picture: Johan Persson

Although this play is in large part about the tangled webs we weave when we practice to deceive, it is maybe a much wider polemic on relationships, trust and the general social mayhem over misunderstandings that afflict us all at some point.

But when tackling Shakespeare, even in flippant mode, you don't just get a rom or sitcom; it's the whole gamut of confusions, larks, conflicts and frolics; a right old medley of angst and hilarity.

Tamara Harvey previously notched up an impressive portfolio of productions before taking up the artistic director's baton in Mold last year.

Wirral Globe:

Production shot from 'Much Ado About Nothing'. Picture: Johan Persson

This followed the departure of the celebrated Terry Hands, who, incidentally, also ran the Royal Shakespeare Company for thirteen years before transforming the north wales venue into the unofficial National Theatr of Wales.

And she is no stranger to Much Ado, in particular directing an all female version of the play at the Globe.

Here she displays a confidant and clearly affectionate approach to the work, which has enthused the cast who bring off this ensemble piece with gusto and a glint in their eyes.

In view of the overall company's flair and passion throughout this thoroughly enjoyable interpretation it's probably a tad unfair to highlight individuals.

However, the roles of the determined 'singletons' Benedick and Beatrice as displayed by John Ramm and Lisa Palfrey – whose romping about is most diverting – is pivotal to the success of Ms Harvey's efforts.

Wirral Globe:

Nakay Kpaka as Claudio and Lowri Palfrey as Hero in 'Much Ado About Nothing'. Picture: Johan Persson

And the emotional crisis that underpins the whole plot is the relationship between Claudio and Hero, which is threatened by a dastardly plot to besmirch her honour.

Nakay Kpaka and Lowri Palfrey are earnestly refreshing and he suitably incandescent at his betrothed apparent shenanigans.

Whilst this is a first for Ms Harvey at Theatr Clwyd, which marks its 40th anniversary this year, audiences are also treated to another breakthrough with the theatre space radically transformed by the use of traverse staging, which sees the audience split front and back, the first time this has happened here.

It works well and designer Janet Bird deserves her own accolades for daring to try it out.

There are also a number of cabaret style tables and chairs that are scattered around in front of the tiered seats, which gives quite an intimate feel to the production.

This allows the performers to 'engage' directly now and again with the audience, and with what seems like moments of genuine ad-libbing.

The production is at Theatr Clwyd until Saturday, July 2. 

Performances start at 7.30pm. Tickets from the box office on 01352 701521.