A Midsummer Nights Dream

From the moment you arrived at the theatre you knew this wasn’t going to be an ordinary evening. We were greeted by the fairies and invited to enter by the usual route, or the special route. Quite a few people took the option of the special route, if they did they were escorted by a fairy to the back of the theatre and over the stage to their seat where smaller fairies were making mischief hiding. This takes the open stage idea to a whole new level!

This production was delightful, every character appeared to have been thought about in depth, every move was purposeful and strong. Puck was wonderfully mischievous with a touch of cunning entrancing the audience. The change that overcame Lysander when he was enchanted was marked and a delight to watch. To pick moments and performances out is a little unfair as every performance was striking and enjoyable.

The stage was stripped to its bare state with clever minimal scenery in the form of drapes making the forest and the palace, this worked well and kept things pacey. Another exciting twist was the steampunk style costumes. These added to the fantasy feel of the play while not detracting from the acting.

Every year the RSC selects groups to take part in their open stages project. A few workshops are held for the group and then they produce their show. This production is a triumph and would be at home on any of the RSC’s professional stages.

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