The best piece of theatre I have seen this year
The RSC’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is larger than life and a prime example of how modern Shakespeare adaptations should be done, writes Mary Bradshaw.
The ever-changing set is a perfectly created psychedelic dreamscape. Glowing lanterns, shimmering confetti and the smooth tones of the live band create a magical explosion of joy onstage.
The director, Eleanor Rhode, consulted Magic Circle illusionist John Bulleid, and it shows. A slightly eerie, fascinating magical undercurrent is always lurking. The ‘spirits’, for instance, are small lights handled so masterfully by the cast that they look like they’re floating. The actors’ movements are sleek – when they’re meant to be. There’s just the right dose of (occasional) singing (Katherine Pearce, as Puck), dancing, tumbling and gliding to inject the play with life and joy in a way which teeters on the edge of pantomime but somehow never feels too much.
Every single minute and every single aspect of this production is spectacular – no easy feat for Shakespeare’s most performed play.
GCSE students, parents and teachers, take note; this production may well convert even the most discombobulated, apathetic pupils to Shakespeare for life.
Most of all, though, it’s a night of good fun. The entire cast is extremely impressive. However, Matthew Baynton (of Ghosts, Horrible Histories and Gavin and Stacey fame) is, as expected, at the heart of the play. His magnificent stage presence as Bottom is transportive and a real privilege to behold. He manages to be even funnier on the boards than on the screen. He is side-splittingly hilarious. His full body acting makes you laugh just to look at him, yet his range of accents and intonation is even more impressive.
Katherine Pearce, as an endearing and mischievous Puck, also gives a standout performance which makes you excited every time she enters the stage.
This performance is a real treat. It will fascinate you, entertain you, and blow you away. And just wait for the ‘am-dram’ play-within-a-play at the end…
At Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS until January 18th. Times: Mon-Sat 715pm; Thur & Sat matinees 1.30pm. Admission: £25 – £95.
Booking: www.barbican.org.uk
