The Dream

Wow! Seems the only word to describe this brand new, totally innovative and very different show presented by BCMCS.  The Dream is an adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream originally of course by The Bard, but this adaptation was penned by the director of the show, Liz Hume-Dawson and combines Shakespeare, with Rock and Pop and a hint of Bollywood thrown in for good measure.

I am assuming that everyone knows the basic story of Midsummer Night’s Dream with its eloping thwarted lovers, quarrelling fairies, the hammiest group of amateur actors ever likely to step foot on a stage (or in this case, a grassy bank) and the Queen of the Amazons getting married – just another standard night in the woods then?!   

It was, in every respect, a fascinating and most entertaining evening, the only slight down from a personal perspective was the canned music as I dislike the ‘sudden stops and starts’ that said, in this specific case I really think it was essential and the talented cast just demonstrated that it is more than possible to achieve a great performance using canned music. 

I cannot continue without mentioning the costumes, which I understand were made by Kathryn Wilkinson and Charlotte James – they were simply splendid – the costumes for the final scene were a triumph but throughout the show they were colourful, fully representative of the characters and apparently easy to wear allowing full movement for the all the necessary dancing.

Speaking of which, Rock and Pop and Bollywood would not normally suggest a ballerina en pointe but by the magic of theatre that was included in there too – the remainder of the choreography was well planned and brilliantly executed – not a foot out of place, always right on the beat – and smiling as if they were really enjoying the whole thing – what more could anyone ask?  

The cast were amazing – their energy and enthusiasm shone out of every pore, but equally impressive was their absolute dedication to the production and their apparent enjoyment of the whole thing.  There was not only some fine singing and dancing across the whole cast but some really good facial expressions and reactions to developing situations.

Overall, very many congratulations to everyone connected in any way with this unique production from the Committee of the Society, for being brave enough to select this highly unusual production, right through the Production Team and the Technical and Front of House team, Backstage Team and Crew – oh not forgetting the performers on the stage – all in all, a most entertaining and enjoyable evening – very many thanks for inviting me.

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