20 Questions with… Puck, from Midsummer Night’s Dreaming
It’s a collaboration between the RSC and Google Creative Labs to surround a new performance of Shakespeare’s play with a huge online hinterland that amplifies the world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Which I’m sure is all terribly exciting for you mortals, but compared to fairy technology it’s like you’ve invented a new toothbrush.
Are you excited about taking part?
Pah. When you’ve stood on a rainbow, when you’ve pulled ribbons of gold from a morning star, when you’ve pounded dreams in a mortar to create a whole new colour, then you can talk to me about excitement. Pah.
Tell us a bit more about yourself?
I am a fairy. A sexy fairy. I jest to Oberon and make him laugh. I impersonate horses. Can put a girdle round the earth on 40 minutes. No wait – 39 minutes! (New Personal Best)
Do you enjoy making mischief?
It’s just a hobby. I can give it up at any time.
Are you looking forward to interacting with audiences?
Not as much as they must be looking forward to interacting with lovely lovely ME.
Where can we meet you?
On a bank where the wild thyme blows, where oxlips and the nodding violet grows. Also, Google Plus
Who are your favourite co-stars?
What do you mean co-stars? There is a pretty effective supporting cast, if that’s what you mean…
If you could swap place with anyone for a day, who would it be?
Kanye West *growls*
What’s your favourite line in the play?
Lord what fools these mortals be!
And favourite post-show hang out?
Oberon’s arms.
How do you like to unwind?
In Oberon’s arms.
So I take it Oberon’s a nice boss?
He has very nice arms.
Why don’t you go by your real name?
I am a fairy spirit. I have no need of names. I have lived a thousand lives and I have a thousand names. I weave names into sparkle and – okay, it’s Robin.
Would you describe yourself as a matchmaker?
Matchmaker AND MATCHBREAKER (watch out Kanye).
Would you like someone to matchmake you?
*sobs* No – no – I’ll be fine…
How would you describe your fashion sense?
Dapper. Organic.
Any favourite outfits?
At the Fairy Awards last year, I wore a pair of horse-hoof heels, with a wraparound bark jerkin and laurel sarong, vine-leaf fascinator, all accessorized perfectly with a dragonskin man-bag. It. Was. Fabulous.
If you were President for a day, what would you do?
Introduce a decree banning guns and replacing them with glitter.
Best piece of advice for aspiring sprites?
Bend the knees when you come in for a landing.
What might you have done in another life?
I’d probably have been Gok Wan.
Midsummer Night’s Dreaming kicks off on Friday at 8pm – follow the action online at dream40.org and for more information about the event click here
Puck is played by Mark Hadfield, but don’t tell him that…
