A Midsummer Nights Dream

An invite to see a production of what must surely be one of Shakespeare’s best loved plays was tempting enough, but the chance to see it on a Summer’s evening in Bishops Stortford’s Monastery Garden sounded idyllic.   The vagaries of the English climate necessitated the audience arriving armed with protection from the elements, but the weather was kind, as I understand it had also been for the two previous evenings’ performances and when I arrived families were already enjoying the chance to picnic in this lovely setting.

This was a modern dress version as so many productions are these days.   Taking a few liberties with the characters’ occupations and the location was an excellent way to appeal to all, capturing the attention and imagination of those who might previously not have warmed to the works of the Bard.

Set in the round, with the cast entering and exiting from four different locations really got the audience involved in the action.  It certainly kept the mind focused as wherever one looked, there was something happening, which was great.

There was some strong acting from Sean Burke as Oberon and Nancy Jones was a fantastic flirtatious Titania.  John Bell was quite hilarious as Bottom and Doug Shepherd made a terrific Puck, flying around on his bike as he carried out his master’s instructions.

I wonder what Shakespeare would have made of men in business suits and ladies in smart dresses and a play put on by people working on fundraising stalls?  Hopefully he would have approved.  I certainly did.

Good performances also from Kerry Wheeler as Hermia, Michael Beaven as Lysander, Adam Andrews as Demetrius and Sally Fenton as Helena.  This is a company with some very experienced actors, many of whom were in this production and too many to mention here.  Director Richard Pink certainly brought out the best in everyone.

A good production should be able to hold its own without scenery and with minimal props and this was definitely the case here. The directional lighting, which was only necessary during the second half as the sun was setting, was just right.

Well done once again Water Lane Theatre Company.  I had a lovely evening and thank you for inviting me.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.