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:

15 August 2003

We seem to be going through a period in which a new version of Dream hits the stage every couple of months. It could become a little wearing, but, if all productions are as stimulating and entertaining as Edward Hall's, I, for one, will not be complaining.

Michael Pavelka's all-white set inevitably draws parallels with Peter Brook's classic 1970 production - not only in the starkness of the set but with the appearance of a gallery (in this case made up of piles of chairs) ringing the stage. The white boiler-suited cast start the play in a merry dance, accompanying themselves on harmonicas and percussion. There's a sense of childhood here, the exploration of the joys of dressing up and the sheer love of pretending.

Above all, Hall has recognised that this is a comedy, one of the best in the English language. It seems obvious to state it, but many productions that I've seen seem to have abandoned the idea of making us laugh by concentrating too much on the psycho...

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Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com (212.211.87.4) - 26 October 2003:

What can I add? In 30 years of seeing countless productions of Shakespeare, including many productions of this play, it is hard to recall a production that matches this one. It was thrilling to be in a West End theatre watching a 400-year old play as if you were at the world premiere. The production is impeccable and the performances are all magnificent - it is quite simply faultless. However many 'Dreams' you've seen, you must see this one. I almost didn't bother; thank god something inspired me to go to 'yet another Dream'. GO NOW !...

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