Originally published by L.S. Media. September 29th 2012.
L.S. Media Rating *****
Cast: Harriet Barrow, Jamie Hampson, Richard Hand, Zoe Lister, Jack Lord, Shaun Mason, Jack Rigby, Michael Ryan, Adam Search, Ella Brennan, Lynsey Coulthard, Ashleigh LeRoy, Michael Loftus, Zain Salim, Amandine Vincent, Florence Watson.
Just when you think you couldn’t see a Shakespeare play performed in the most original way possible, that every conceivable way of doing it had been used, Lodestar Theatre Company come along, rip up the guide on how to present the Bard’s work, not just once but twice, as they systematically destroy the spare copy you had of Macbeth and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Until October 13th The Royal Court Theatre is presenting both Macbeth and A Midsummer’s Nights Dream side by side, a daring operation which combines skill and fortune. With Lodestar Theatre Company providing the makeover of the Bard, both Macbeth and A Midsummer’s Nights Dream have all the right qualities to be outstanding pieces of work. A genuine thrill to see take shape on the stage.
A Midsummer’s Nights Dream sees the excellent cast tackle with great care but also incredible fortitude one of the Bard’s best comedies and even though the play is truncated down to two hours and like the meddling of Oberon and Puck on human affairs, in the end nothing is lost and everything is gained.
The troupe of actors pulled off one of the great plays of Shakespeare’s folio with what can only be described as fun. Not only was every single member of the cast absolutely on top form, portraying the spirits and people of Athens in way that left the audience laughing to great delight but also enraptured by the sheer spectacle and majesty of it all.
If each player made their mark then Jack Lord as Bottom was a revelation, inspiring, gracious and quite possibly the finest portrayal of a human ass ever. Although Zoe Lister and Michael Ryan took more of a back seat in this particular play, as they portray the two central characters in Macbeth, their presence was keenly felt as Titania/Hippolyta and Peter Quince.
Jamie Hampson and Harriet Barrow also should be praised for their depictions of the two fought over women Helena and Hermia. The small looks of indignation that passed between the two actors as they eyed each other up and listed their faults was magnificent.
A Midsummer’s Night Dream at The Royal Court Theatre needs to be seen to be believed, a play of daring, courage and most of all extremely good fun.
Ian D. Hall