Midsummer Night's Dream

A Midsummer Nights Dream, one of the most well known of Shakespeare’s pieces and to all Shakespeare lovers, a light hearted yet sensitive piece with hidden meanings, which when well performed becomes enlightening - as we all know this is one of those pieces that was far beyond it’s time.
Directors, Andy Hill and Andy Hawkes, had each had a chance to put their own mark on this presentation, in addition to performing, which certainly seemed to help them with the styling of the production.
There was a very intimate feeling as the Tudor style set was purpose built on floor level and with an array of suitable props and décor, it helped to draw the audience into the play.
Each of the characters were well cast and it was both surprising and yet uplifting to see that there was still such a youthful interest in Shakespeare.
All of the portrayals were well executed and the projection of speech, so important in productions such as this, was really well done.
There was however couple of dodgy moments when lines were lost; the trouble is if Shakespeare’s lines are lost there is not a lot of space for ad lib to get you out of a hole, so “Parrot Fashion” is the only way to go. Taking loud prompts on an open set breaks the creativity of the piece and it all seems to take a step backward, but it soon picked up the momentum again and the other characters carried it through.
Apparently some of the cast were first timers in Shakespearean roles and so they should be commended for taking this on and presenting it so well.
Costumes were well designed and seemed really authentic, well suited to each individual role.
It was obvious that everyone had worked incredibly hard on this piece and had been well drilled in order to make good use of this really effective set.
Well done to the whole company, committee, production team, cast, crew and front of house.
Thanking you all for your Hospitality I enjoyed my evening with you very much. I hope that you continue to consider other plays from “The Bard” and that I see you again soon.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.