A Midsummer Night's Dream

Synopsis

On a midsummer's night Hermia and her lover Lysander flee from Athens and Demetrius - the man Hermia's father favours as a son-in-law. Demetrius follows, pursued by Helena who loves him in spite of being spurned in favour of Hermia. On the same night Bottom and his friends leave Athens to find somewhere quiet to rehearse their play which is to be performed at the wedding feast of Duke Theseus. Drawn into the woods they enter a world of magic, mystery and wonder.

Our Review:

13 March 2002

Line dancing, mobile phones, afro wigs and the sounds of Billy Ray Cyrus singing "Achy Breaky Heart" are not things that you usually associate with the plays of William Shakespeare. But these are just some of the delights contained in Lucy Bailey's modern take on the Bard's classic tale of love and its labours.

Okay, so the idea of updating a classic for a modern audience is nothing new. But this dazzling production, as part of the Royal Exchange's 25th anniversary season, feels exceedingly fresh and new. From the start, it grabs hold of your senses and sends them into overdrive. Surely, few others have re-imagined the bard with such panache, energy and jaw-dropping insight.

When the play opens with a scene reminiscent of Pulp Fiction - complete with suits, shades and long overcoats - you momentarily fear that Bailey's production could end up as a poorly executed experiment that will have traditionalist theatre patrons running for the exits. But as each word ...

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Latest User Review

Marlene Oliver - 10 July 2012:

I belong to Wythenshawe radio and went along to Press Night. This morning I promoted the play. Before going I was worrying if I might find the language of Shakespeare heavy going. I prepared myself reading a synopsis. Fantastic entertainment and more than a few laughs.Never heard an audience applaud so much. Might not suit Shakespeare purists but I can say I could see plenty of golden oldies in the audience totally absorbed and laughing out loud.......the best medicine!! Could not help thinking that I had seen that production in my school days when Shakespeare was always on the curriculum then I undoubtedly would have become an enthusiast and not have had to worry about the possibility of nodding off during the performance....

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