A Midsummer Night`s Dream-Musical

Duke Theseus and Hippolyta are preparing for their wedding. Egeus arrives with his daughter Hermia, along with Lysander and Demetrius. Hermia and Lysander love each other, but Egeus wants Hermia to marry Demetrius (who is loved by Helena). Theseus insists Egeus must have his way and tells Hermia to marry Demetrius. Hermia and Lysander run away and meet in the forest. Hermia tells Helena their plans, she (hoping to win his favour) tells Demetrius. Demetrius chases after the eloping couple, and Helena chases after him.

A group of tradesmen (The Mechanicals) meet to discuss a play on the theme of Pyramus and Thisbe which they want to perform at Theseus’ wedding. They plan to rehearse in the forest.

Oberon and Titania, the king and queen of the fairies, have had a bit of a tiff over a changeling boy, so Oberon has his servant, Puck search for special flower whose juice he will squeeze onto Titania’s eyes while she is asleep, making her fall in love with the first person she sees upon waking- which happens to be Bottom with an Asses head. Oberon, seeing Demetrius reject Helena, tells Puck to put the potion on Demetrius’ eyes also. But Puck mistakes Lysander for Demetrius, and Lysander wakes to see Helena, whom he falls in love with and chases after, leaving Hermia alone.Sounds like a plot for a Gilbert and Sullivan production, doesn`t it!

As you can guess, it all turns out fine in the end, but not without mirth, merriment and plot twists along the way.

Egeus, Theseus and Hippolyta, were regally played by Leo Blake, Ben Field and Freya Knight. Demetrius (Joshua Knox) and Lysander (Sam Richards) were very convincing as the love struck gentlemen trying to woo their ladies.

As Oberon and Titania, King and Queen of the Fairies- Amy Richards and Grace Peter were imposing, perfect diction throughout, with a clear understanding of their prose.

The Mechanicals, were all played with conviction, Quince (Robyn Parry), Flute (Robbie Reoch), Snug (Leo Beke), Snout (Beth Murray), Starveling (Erin Murray) and bringing up the rear, Bottom, played with uproariously by Emily Stapylton, who has to admit, had one of the best songs in the show.

Where, might you ask, are Hermia, Helena and Puck. These three roles were undertaken by Rosie Shone, Emily Bodenham and Amelia Knox. Whilst there are many characters throughout the piece, and everyone played their parts well, these three were the standout performances of the production. Rosie`s and Emily`s coltishness, delivery and facial characterisations were first rate. Amelia Knox`s mischievous Puck was wonderfully executed, clear and concise and exquisitely moved.

Many of the above performers doubled up as fairies and sprites.

The production was staged on two levels, with lighting complimenting the scenes.

I was interested to see how this production of A midsummer Night`s Dream would fare, not only because of the convoluted story with its` many twists being performed by a very youthful group, but how they would be able to tell the story in less than seventy five minutes with the addition of songs! 

In a word or two, it fared admirably!

Pianist Steve Ripley seemed to be having as much fun as the performers.

The Directors, Lynne Fieldhouse, Lynn Peck and Mary Ripley should be really pleased and proud with what they, and the company achieved with such a challenging production-well done.

Thank you Silverdale Village Players, for your invite, and your hospitality.

 

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