A Midsummer Night’s Dream

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare. This was my first visit to Class Act as I was covering their production on behalf of Dianne Hayes.

The set was simple, yet well designed and constructed. The tree, adorned with lights, was very impressive. The cast used the space well throughout the production.

I attended the matinee performance and the society split the cast into two groups. I did not get to see the second group but I am sure they were just as good as the one I saw.

I must congratulate the production team on producing a performance that was traditional, yet modern. The language was authentic but interwoven throughout was the music of ‘Aerosmith’. This was a nice touch and I enjoyed it. The costumes were also on the modern side but this worked well.

The play has many complex characters that each have their own part to play in telling the story and there were no weak links in this production.

Rachel Cooney, Hannah Creber, Megan Pugh and Louise Pugh as fairies Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth and Mustardseed all had distinct characters and moved really well throughout the production. Their costumes and makeup were individual and excellent.

The characters in the ‘play within a play’, worked well together and provided many comedy moments for the audience. Congratulations to Michael Feakes, Toby Burnett-Fielding, Will Jenkins, Sam Hodge and Mo Abdirahman.

Lady Egeus, played by Rachel Cooney, had a great character. She was strong in trying to stop her daughter Hermia from marrying Lysander.

Ryan Gluyas and Zara Chapman had lovely chemistry as Lysander and Hermia. Both had excellent characterisation and strength throughout the performance.

Equally lovely were the other ‘couple’ in this production, Tom Fantom and Ellie Hall as Demetrius and Helena. I really enjoyed their characters. Well played.

Callum Woodward gave a great performance as the magical Puck. He gave an engaging performance and the audience listened intently when he spoke.

A strong comedic performance was given by Danniella Manning as Bottom. She entered with extraordinary energy which didn’t falter throughout.

As Oberon and Titania, Joseph Harris and Hazel Guppy gave really strong performances. Their storytelling was excellent.

This was a very entertaining production that was easy to understand for Shakespeare novices and veterans alike. Thank you, Class Act.

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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