A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM: A BLEND OF TRADITIONAL THEATRE AND MODERN TWISTS

By Vartika Chandola ⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

Flabbergast Theatre Company’s rendition of Shakespeare’s timeless classic, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, presented at the enchanting Wilton’s Music Hall in Wapping, was a nice blend of traditional theatre and modern twists. Directed by Henry Maynard, the production offered a unique take on Shakespeare’s work, albeit with some hits and misses.

The choice of Wilton’s Music Hall in Wapping as the venue for A Midsummer Night’s Dream added an extra layer of magic to the production. With its period features and rustic allure, it perfectly complemented the timeless themes of the play. Situated within the historic streets of East London, Wilton’s Music Hall showcases a captivating charm with its Victorian architecture and atmospheric interiors. The weathered walls of this historic gem transported the audience into the enchanting world of Shakespeare’s play.

The production itself remained faithful to Shakespeare’s original storyline, preserving the bard’s language and rhymes while infusing modern humour to resonate with the audiences. The incorporation of this humour aimed to bridge the gap between past and present. However, there were moments when the humour felt slightly forced, detracting from the play’s overall charm.

ACT TWO WAS A HIGHLIGHT, FILLED WITH INTELLIGENT HUMOUR AND ENTERTAINING PERFORMANCES

The production excelled in its use of props and lighting, making full use of its small cast with creative staging. The performers, talented singers in addition to their acting, added depth to their characters. The cast tried to embody multiple roles and seamlessly manipulate the stage environment but at times it created more confusion than helped the story, disrupting the audience’s engagement.

Lennie Longworth’s portrayal of Puck was exceptional, blending flexibility and modern elements effortlessly. Longworth’s command of the stage and comedic timing made Puck a standout character, captivating the audience from start to finish. Act Two, immediately post-interval, was a highlight of the production, filled with intelligent humour and entertaining performances that kept the audience engaged and laughing throughout.

While the play had its moments of brilliance, there were issues with audibility at times, which impacted the overall experience. Nevertheless, the waves of laughter and applause from the audience indicated a generally positive reception, especially among enthusiasts of Shakespearean literature. Also, there were families present during the first half of the show, but the show’s content led to some leaving midway due to its less child-friendly nature.

In conclusion, Flabbergast Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Wilton’s Music Hall offers a delightful evening for theatre aficionados seeking a unique blend of classic literature and modern theatricality. The venue’s historic charm combined with the company’s innovative approach makes this production a worthy experience, despite its occasional quirks. For those who appreciate immersive Shakespearean theatre in a captivating venue, this rendition of Shakespeare’s classic is definitely for you.

WILTON’S MUSIC HALL

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Photo Credit: Michael Lynch