Theatre in the Forest: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Photo by Bill Jackson
Review by Martine Silkstone
This year’s Theatre in the Forest production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is absolutely phenomenal and you should buy some tickets immediately.
I will, of course, go into more details and give a full review but, in all honesty, that’s the message I want to shout from the roof tops; that’s the message I want you to take from this before clicking on the link below and booking yourself a wonderful, soul-nourishing experience.
Even if you’re not into Shakespeare (perhaps picturing five hours of heavy-going dialogue and unfeasibly large codpieces); even if you have never been to the theatre before - you are going to love this interpretation from Red Rose Chain’s director, Joanna Carrick.
It is the Bard but adapted with a light touch and modern highlights for universal appeal - providing the beautiful, descriptive language of Shakespeare for fans, but within an unpretentious performance that is entertaining, charming, and fabulously funny.
At our press night, there were people of all ages watching and everyone was engaged and participating, including the young children. In fact, it is how I envision the original performances of Shakespeare to have been back in the day: lively and interactive, with a real connection between the actors and audience.
Photo by Bill Jackson
Hats off to the hugely talented cast of seven, all of whom played several roles, switching between characters, accents, and costumes with such ease that there was no interruption in narrative – no easy feat! All this while also playing musical instruments, engaging with the crowd, singing, and – wait for it – puppeteering! Wow - bravo!
It would take another 1,000 words to list everything I found wonderous about their performances, but as a taster…
Jack Heydon is all swagger as Theseus and all arrogant charm as Oberon, while Emily Jane Kerr is comedic perfection as Hippolyta and Titania. Vincent Moisy gives us his Bottom (sorry, had to be done – it’s in the reviewer’s oath) with all the brash confidence and fun required, but then - blink - and he is the handsome but hard-done-by Demetrius. Meanwhile, Evangeline Dickson (Hermia) and Ted Newborn (Lysander) are full of energy and character as the young lovers, and Ailis Duff shines as the hard-done-by Helena and play-within-a-play director, Quince. The playful Rei Mordue completes our cast as Hermia’s angry father and the mischievous Puck.
Throw them all together and you have an acting group that combines the dramatic talent required to hold it all together, with a level of physicality and comedy genius that is somewhat reminiscent of French and Saunders, Fry and Laurie, and Blackadder.
Marvellous.
So far, so impressive.
Photo by Bill Jackson
Then, just when you thought it couldn’t get any more magical, on come the colourful fairies in the form of some truly stunning puppet creations courtesy of Nick Barnes Puppets. With the stage among the trees and sun going down, it was just enchanting.
Now I have seen many versions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream over the years – including a great performance at The Globe – but this one is my new favourite.
It’s the perfect play, in the perfect venue, with the perfect cast – and for press night it was the perfect weather too.
Simply joyous! Book now!
It will be a truly magical experience that will also help to support the Red Rose Chain’s innovative, life-changing community projects.
A few tips to take away:
The location is great for pre-show and interval picnics.
It’s a good idea to apply some insect repellent.
It is unallocated seating so maybe arrive 45 minutes before to ensure position.
Even on a warm day, the evening can get a little chilly so you may want to bring a blanket for snuggling just in case.
Dogs are welcome but be aware that the actors move through the crowd so it wouldn’t be suitable for ‘reactive’ pets.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is at Sutton Hoo until 24 August.
FOR FULL SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE