Shakespeare You Don't Want To Miss

This was a delightfully written version of Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. In the programme, Director Paul Milton said he hoped it would be “a joyous experience” and it really was. There were no visible first night hiccups and everything was slick from start to finish. People are often put off by Shakespeare, usually harping back to some lacklustre teaching of it during their school years and Midsummer Night’s Dream can be confusing with all it’s sub-plots and different characters. This, however, was such a light hearted and fast-paced version that it appealed to all ages. Even if someone couldn’t quite understand all of the Shakespearean language, the plot was easily followed due to the expert acting that was on show.

A relatively small cast, all taking on multiple roles, really demonstrated teamwork and the audience could sense the comradery between the actors. Bottom (played by Tweedy) is portrayed as a Shakespearean clown; this was a unique version of Bottom and it really worked. His humour and slapstick throughout the show may not sound like it would fit into this play but it did and he had the audience in stitches. The casting was strong throughout but a special mention must go to Laura Noble who took on the roles of Helena the lover, Flute the mechanical and Mustardseed the fairy. Her facial expressions and her humour in all three roles were simply wonderful; she is a real young talent.

Standout scenes for us were the lullaby scene where the fairies sing Titania to sleep and the final fairy scene where their wings lit up the stage; both scenes full of mystery and magic. The ‘play within the play’ at the end was hilarious, the wall and the moon getting many laughs and some very dramatic deaths occurring. Having Theseus and Hippolyta join the audience on the front row was a clever extra element, really bringing the play to the spectators. The ending was unique, with Bottom joining Puck (played brilliantly by Jeremy Stockwell), the mischievous fairy, as he says his famous final words. No audience member was ‘offended’ as this play drew to a fitting close.

The scenery was simple but beautiful and effective and the soundtrack was magical and mesmerising but not overpowering; the balance between music and acting just perfect. The costumes matched it all and hats off to the cast for pulling off some very swift costume changes! This was an excellent version of one of Shakespeare’s famous comedies. Do see it if you can.

Midsummer's Night Dream Photo: Antony Thompson/Thousand Word Media Ltd

A Midsummer's Night Dream is on at York Theatre Royal until Saturday 13th April.

Read an interview with Tweedy The Clown Q&A: Tweedy The Clown