Shakespeare on the Lawn: Meet Adriano De Armado and Moth
Meeting on the Chapel lawn, under the trees on what will be the stage of this (and every) year’s Shakespeare on the Lawn, we joined Annie and Millie S who play Don Adriano de Armado and Moth in Love’s Labour’s Lost. We took the opportunity to learn more about this duo, about the characters as well as the young actors who will be performing them on 1 and 2 July.
Don Adriano de Armado, Played by Annie
Don Adriano de Armado thinks he is much finer than he actually is, using fancy language and far too much of it, so he talks in paragraphs even when making the simplest of points! He presumes a friendship with the King that he does not have and is in love with Jaquenetta, pursuing her in every way, with poor results. He shares a close relationship with his manservant Moth.
“Don Armardo is so much fun to play! He’s often confused about the English language, so a lot of the characters make fun of him because of that, but it’s given me a great opportunity to act with an accent – what a challenge!
Overall he’s just a very comedic and joyous character, bringing lots of light and character to the show, and I’ve been having the time of my life playing him, he’s such a fun character to play.
He’s quite different from characters I’ve played in past productions, but I absolutely adore performing and playing such an extravagant and over the top character is so much fun. I love Shakespeare especially because everything is just so over exaggerated – I’m super excited about performing in July!”
Moth, Played by Millie S
Don Armado’s young manservant and sidekick, Moth is an extremely quick-witted boy who seems to be the only one who can decipher his master’s mind-boggling language! Often putting Don Armado in his place and highlighting his absurdities, he never misses an opportunity for a joke and though nowhere near a Lord himself, he’s never intimidated by those that are.
“Playing Armado’s servant is great fun – my character is very quick witted, he makes a lot of jokes and excites the scenes! Despite being his servant, he’s almost like a parent figure to him, helping him through his love conundrum with Janquenetta.
I was particularly excited to be given this part, I wasn’t looking for a huge role to be honest, so this has been perfect. I can spend time perfecting this role and really making the best of every scene.
I think the most exciting part of performing for me is definitely the costumes, they bring the play to life and make it feel real – I can’t wait for July!”
Tickets for both the 1 and 2 July performances will be on sale soon! We do hope you can join us in School on the Chapel Lawn to enjoy Year 9’s Love’s Labour’s Lost.
