A Midsummer Nights Dream

This youth production, directed by Charlotte Reid, took me back to my school days and my first introduction to A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This was perhaps William Shakespeare’s most charming comedy, presented by an enthusiastic talented cast of young players, complimented by an inspired directorial and technical team.

This production was performed in a church hall with a platform riser stage that was open making us aware of the cast activity that was beautifully synchronised. Props were minimalistic but effective as we were transported into ancient Greece.

The opening music was a talented display of violin playing performed by Lola Foden and Gabriel Trigkilidas, well done to you both for setting the scene. This was  followed by the entry of  Duke Theseus (Nathaniel Trigkilidas) and later his bride to be Queen Titania (Alex Robins). Nathaniel, you are a confident performer on stage, with a powerful speaking voice. You were well cast in this role and gave a strong performance.

Before his wedding Theseus has much to contend with as he is confronted by an angry Hermia (Kayleigh Brennan) who played her part just to the right pitch. Your refusal to marry the man chosen for you was firm and your appeals to Theseus moving as you swear your undying love for Lysander (Eva Craig). Eva your solo was enchanting, well done. The quartet of lovers now go on to include Helena (Tessa Raby) and Demetrius (Isla Hamill). This foursome contrived to get every ounce of comedy from their individual characters and their predicaments. Well done to all four of you.

Within the weird and wonderful Athenian woodland, we have the fairies who all smiled and danced throughout and displayed confident performances that drew in their audience. Fairies, you did your mistress and master proud. What I especially admired about the fairies and all the other minor parts, was the self-control they displayed to remain in character all through the action, even when not directly involved.

Then have the arch mischief maker himself, the mercurial Puck (William Wright). He gave us a performance of a narrative that was word perfect. He elaborated and exaggerated his stage presence with facial expression. He displayed submission to his master, but also with a hint of defiance. A terrific characterisation, William. Congratulations.

I enjoyed the “Bee Busters” to the tune of Ghost Busters and the way you got some of your audience onto the stage. I also liked this 21st century version of modern-day costumes that ensures that young performers are not inhibited by attire that is unfamiliar to them.

Drama Geeks are a team and the way you took your final bow to the audience was orchestrated in a way that portrayed a team. The quadrangle of you all holding hands displayed an image where each character had equal importance. It is each character on stage that gave the audience such an entertaining afternoon. Thank you all for my invitation, I thoroughly enjoyed your production of A Midsummer Nights Dream. Thank you too to the backstage and technical crew your efforts do not go unnoticed. Well done to everyone involved.

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