A Midsummer Night's Dream

I was warmly welcomed on arrival by Director Kerry King and spoke with her during the interval and at the end of the performance with the Chairman Alison Baker.

On entering the auditorium I was immediately struck by the wonderful set designed by David Thompson and built by the society. A small stage extension created a fairy bower with flowers and cushions whilst a magnificent backdrop showed a forest scene. At stage left were two majestic columns leading to colourful views of Athens with The Acropolis and The Parthenon in the distance. Very innovative and impressive. Costumes were all attractive and relevant to the period whilst gentle and colourful lighting enhanced the set.

The casting was excellent with some stellar performances from the principals. This was a classic and well known tale and throughout there was plenty of absurd humour which was great. The sound was good and everyone projected their voices well.

Puck, very well played by Archie Kropidlowski, was a mischievous fairy/sprite whose magical mishaps with a love potion flower caused chaos. Archie was a natural in this role, being young and athletic with well honed dancing and movement skills. Terrific makeup really emphasized his character.

The four young lovers were well matched with good character interpretation. Hermia ,played by Emily May Matthews was strong willed and deeply in love with Lysander , played by Peregrine Maturin-Baird. He was romantic and passionate but was overshadowed by Demetrius a nobleman well played by Conor Smith. Helen McCraw was Helena, an anxious and insecure character in love with Demetrious.

James Weatheral was a convincing and authoritative Theseus, Duke of Athens whilst his soon to be wife Hippolyta was portrayed by Jazmin Chandler as a formidable and regal Queen. Egeus played by David Chilton was the demanding father of Hermia.

The Mechanicals were a group of bumbling local aspiring actors rehearsing a silly play, Pyramus and Thisbe, for the Duke’s wedding to Hippolyta. There was so many funny and hilarious parts here. The leader of this group was undoubtedly Bottom a foolish and over confident weaver who dominated the group and played the role of Pyramus. Ben Middleton took this role and was so convincing. After his head was transformed into the head of an ass by Puck’s magic he willingly accepted the attentions of the fairies. An absolute ass with such a fantastic head created by Jane Armstrong!

The rest of the Mechanicals all had roles in the play except for the hapless Quince. Well acted by Les Chisnall he was a carpenter who was nominally the director of the play. Phil Wilden, playing Flute, a bellows mender, was cast as the female Thisbe and reluctantly achieved a passable high pitched voice! An anxious Snout, a tinker was cast as The Wall and Lester Pearse was perfect causing so much laughter . Snug, a joiner well played by Ryan Curtis took the role of the lion, terrified of frightening the ladies by his roar. The sixth member of the group was Starveling, a very timid tailor characterised by Helen Bridge.

Finally I come to the fairies. Paul George impressed as Oberon the King of the fairies. He was powerful, commanding and manipulative. His wife, Titania, ably played by Sarah Suckling was strong willed with magical powers and was well attended by her four fairy servants. Sarah also choreographed the movement throughout making full use of the small stage.

This was a stunning production from this talented cast directed by the experienced Kerry King whose creative abilities and innovative ideas wowed the capacity audience.

Well done everyone.

 

 

 

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