The unusual setting of Marianne Elliott's production of Much Ado About Nothing in pre-revolutionary Cuba proved irresistibly sultry for reviewers in a soggy Stratford.
Despite failing to discern any very clear rationale for the relocation from Sicily, critics delighted in the "sun-soaked", "rum-soaked", "seriously seductive" production, a cornerstone of the Royal Shakespeare Company's Complete Works season and Elliott's company debut.
Charles Spencer for the Telegraph was enthusiastic, calling it "as fresh, funny and touching a production of Much Ado about Nothing as it has ever been my pleasure to witness" and the Stage described the performance as "punchy and raunchy".
Commending the salsa accompaniment by Olly Fox, the Times revelled in "an atmosphere of voluptuousness and danger".
Tamsin Grieg, best known for the Green Wing and the Archers, enjoyed uniform acclaim for her performance as Beatrice, playing her with "a dark, brittle glamour that isn't quite beauty" and, as the Telegraph decided, "a disconcerting touch of Edwina Currie."
Her pairing with Joseph Millson's laddish Benedick was "sizzling", according to the Times, which said Grieg's Beatrice "almost vibrates with frustration".
Don Pedro, Don John and a Dogberry complete with a pink corset also drew pleasure, though for the Stage a walking rubber plant provided the highlight of a generally memorable performance.
