Welcome to this performance of Much Ado About Nothing.

It is with much excitement at Sheffield Theatres that we take the lead for this year’s Ramps on the Moon production and tour.

Since launching in 2016, Ramps on the Moon has been a pioneering initiative that aims to enrich stories, and the ways in which they are told, by normalising the presence of deaf, disabled and neurodiverse people both on and off stage.

We’re proud to be a part of this collaboration with six other powerhouse venues around the country, led by New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich and supported by Arts Council England as well as two associate partners: Wiltshire Creative and RTYDS (Regional Theatre Young Director Scheme).

Each year, one of the Ramps partner theatres takes its turn to produce a large-scale touring show, with a mix of deaf, neurodiverse, disabled and non-disabled performers and creatives in the company. Every production includes the use of integrated British Sign Language, audio description and captioning.

Much Ado About Nothing follows The Government Inspector by Birmingham Repertory Theatre (2016), The Who’s Tommy by New Wolsey Theatre (2017), Our Country’s Good by Nottingham Playhouse (2018) and Oliver Twist by Leeds Playhouse (2020/21). After an eclectic mix of comedy, musical theatre and drama, we’re delighted to add a much-loved Shakespeare play to the Ramps repertoire.

And in 2023, you can look forward to Theatre Royal Stratford East’s newly-announced production of Village Idiot by Samson Hawkins - an audacious comedy where family feuds kick off around a country fair.

It’s a particular honour for us in Sheffield to be taking our turn during the Crucible’s 50th anniversary year, as we begin a new chapter here in the spirit of inclusivity, innovation and adventure that our audiences have always shared with us.

I hope you enjoy the show!

Robert Hastie

Director of Much Ado About Nothing

Artistic Director, Sheffield Theatres