A Midsummer Night's Dream

The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) - The Barbican Theatre

A majestic display of magic created by set design and comedy crafted from the actors finding their own modern understanding of their characters. An extraordinary Shakespeare production that is kept true to the writing.

Director Eleanor Rhode has devised a magical and playful production of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' with the RSC, having previously directed King John with them. A huge barrier between a modern-day audience and Shakespeare's historic plays is understanding. The RSC have clearly worked extremely hard on every element of this production to slightly modernise elements and highlight key moments for the audience to be able to follow the story effortlessly. Whilst, staying true to the classical, historic nature of the play. It is no mystery why the RSC have a brilliant reputation for their Shakespeare productions and the expectations were met! The actors have displayed their hard work in finding areas of comedy in their lines and timing. Each character is charming, have unique personalities and their aims are clear through movement, their interactions with other characters and their mannerisms. The set design brings the sorcery element of the play to the fore and enchants the audience.

The story follows a group of characters and their differing stories that come together. There are many stunning moments of drama and comedy. This play is one of Shakespeare's many comedies. Young Hermia is deeply in love with Lysander, whilst Egeus her father is forcing her to marry Demetrius. On the other side of this love triangle Helena dotes on Demetrius, but her feelings are not reciprocated, because he loves Hermia; this does not stop Helena chasing Demetrius for his love! Hermia and Lysander decide to run away into the forest, Demetrius goes after Hermia and of course Helana follows his tail. The fairy kingdom in the forest enchants the group of lovers and cause chaos. Whilst a group of theatrics are rehearsing their play to perform to the palace! This production smoothly transition each scene to scene seamlessly, production elements are a high standard; each set change is sleek and swift. The scenery changes are so natural that they seem like they are part of the story, and they keep the audience's eyes and concentration locked into the show.

Another element that consolidates the audience's engagement is the cast's exceptional acting. Andrew Richardson plays Oberon; the King of the fairies and Katherine Pearce plays Puck his right-hand man. The two portray two differing characters: Puck played by Pearce is mischievous, playful and high spirited; whereas Richardson plays Oberon with a more mellow personality, a powerful character and patiently waits for his plots to unfold. Richardson as Oberon relaxes between pauses in his lines and relishes in his words to portray the power his character grasps. Puck and Oberon's friendship is compelling, their relationship is clear, and they work well together. Their personalities mix together to form something truly beautiful. Ghosts, Peep Show and Horrible Histories star Matthew Baynton plays Bottom, and he brings a chunk of the comedy with his high energy and animated characterisation. He plays the self-obsessed Bottom with perfect comic timing, he clearly understands the comedy that Shakespeare embedded in his writing. The strongest comic scene was the play within the play that follows the story of the lovers Pyramus and Thisbe; Baynton plays Bottom as Pyramus with high drama, walks with power (he knows and makes himself the main character and his death scene is so funny the audience roars with laughter.

The magical elements of the production are created by the imaginative and innovative design elements; Illusion director and director John Bulleid, who has a background in magic, crafted the productions unique designs. He has worked a few productions with the RSC including 'The Magicians Elephant' and is the UK's Harry Potter and The Cursed Child (Palace Theatre) illusions associate. When the characters enter the forest that's when the fairy world opens up and the mischief unveils. When we meet Titania and Oberon colourful orbs fill the stage ceiling and they represent the fairies and magic. They glow different colours when the different fairies speak and the characters pluck fairies from the air, this is shown through small lights that turn on in their hands after they grasp the fairies. The movement and how the actors interact with these design elements play a part in making the magic of the show come to life. Another unique design is Bottom's donkey ears; they move and react to moments. For instance, when he is afraid they perk up, they match his emotions and further show how he is feeling. They become a part of him and it's such an intelligent design element.

This production is one to watch, it displays the beauty of Shakespeare's writing for what it is and bought the sorcery of this play in particular to the fore. The storyline is a breeze to follow and the comedy is divine! There is something for every audience member to enjoy and the visuals take the audience on a journey into the fairy world. The close attention to detail is admirable. If you want to venture into the world of Shakespeare or you love a show with a whimsical vibe this is the show for you! This production is a magnificent work of art that is a staple show that you must add to your watch list this year.