THE BUTTERFLY LION

Malvern Festival Theatre

BILL KENWRIGHT PRODUCTIONS

George Bernard Shaw reminded us that, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing” and with this in mind, a visit to Malvern Theatre this week is guaranteed to reverse the aging process.

Michael Morpurgo, author of the award winning War House, brings another of his stories to the stage with Daniel Buckroyd’s adaptation of Butterfly Lion. It tells the story of Bertie, who rescues and raises a white lion cub, while living in African, until they are separated when Bertie is sent to an English boarding school and the lion is sold to a circus. The young boy vows to find him one day but this seems increasingly less likely when he is drafted to the French frontline during the Great War.

The wonderful Gwen Taylor, as warming and comforting as you would wish any grandmother to be, shares the bulk of the storytelling with Lloyd Notice, a gentle giant with a booming voice. Adam Buchanan, embraces the duel roles of Michael and Bertie, with gusto and a focus that never falters. His skills as a puppeteer are exemplified when he rescues the lion cub and the helpless creature is brought to life before our very eyes. This is a real ensemble piece though and the remaining cast commit entirely to delivering the magic offered by this charming tale. Tracy Bargate, Sam Clark, Christopher Hogben and Sydney K Smith give notable performances, as do Michael Palmer and Gina Isaac who perfectly present Bertie’s parents.

This production is a visual and auditory feast. Superbly directed by Buckroyd and Matthew Cullum, narration fluidly glides in and out of action as the characters continually transform and guide us on our enchanting journey around the world. A haunting score by Carlton Edwards, combined with the design skills of Juliet Shillingford, Mark Dymock, Adam P McCready and Sue Pyecroft, with set, lighting, sound and puppets respectively make this an absolute must see. This is a show that is good for the soul.

THE PRIVATE EAR, THE PUBIC EYE

Malvern Festival Theatre

ORIGINAL THEATRE COMPANY & YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE

The Private Ear and The Public Eye at Malvern Theatres this week is a revival of Peter Shaffer's 1960's play, which originally starred Dame Maggie Smith and Kenneth Williams.

This piece is effectively two one-act plays that present real time events with seemingly no obvious connection, other than two of the actors playing characters in both stories. However, Original Theatre Company identified a connection with a central character in each play whom experienced his world predominately through sound in the first play and mostly sight in the second play, therefore collectively creating an incredibly observant being. These two contrasting characters are magnificently performed by Steven Blakely, who successfully takes on this epic theatrical challenge with a level of skill and dexterity rarely seen in the profession.

A high level of professionalism is maintained by the other cast members, who revel in their parts under the wonderful direction of Alistair Whatley. It is such a joy to see a production that has been shaped by a talented visionary, such as Whatley. In The Private Ear, Rupert Hill is perfect as the playboy Ted, a charmer who's over zealous nature is merely compensating for his tragically unhappy childhood. Siobhan O'Kelly is superbly awkward as Doreen, Bob's date and then transforms into a 'hip' young lady, brimming with confidence and adventure as Belinda in The Public Eye. Here she is joined by the Jasper Britton, who gives an energised interpretation of the frustrated and somewhat pompous, Jasper.

The set by Hayley Grindle undergoes a thoroughly entertaining transformation at the opening of the second act and her costume designs are superbly reminiscent of the swinging 60s. The creative team is excellent and the actors triumph in their individual performances, securely handling a weighty text with confidence and ease. These plays will not be everyone's cup of tea but Original Theatre Company more than make up for what the stories lack, with a dazzling brilliance of talent.

ELYSIAN FIELDS

Malvern Festival Theatre

MALVERNBARD & MALVERN THEATRES

Malvern Theatres, Worcestershire

In these austere times, Malvern Theatres appears to be forging another inspired stage of evolution. Co-producing, for the first time, last week's superb production of Godber's September in the Rain and, this week, showcasing their Writer in Residence in the main house. With the development of their youth theatre over the last two years, two excellent summer school musicals and regular seasons of pre-West End productions, chief executive, Nic Lloyd continues to prove his visionary worth.

Elysian Fields, by Nick Wilkes, is a thought-provoking, often amusing and very accessible look at life and death, eloquently discussed without any pretentiousness. The quality of writing far surpasses what is expected, given the visual advertising, which lacks the professional, inspired design worthy of this production. The small audience on opening night perhaps reflected this point.

Murray Andrews, as protagonist, Stephen Fields, deftly handles an epic role showing his metal as an accomplished actor, although his performance is slightly marred by an ill fitting, tatty suit, which does not dress the character as the dialogue suggests. Pippa Meekings' interpretation of her role will be very familiar to fans of a popular, sci-fi television programme, as the seductive River and Adrian Ross-Jones, delivers an equally intriguing characterisation as Q. These two characters endeavour to assist Stephen in his quest to make sense of the predicament in which he finds himself as he interacts with the people who have impacted on his existence, many of whom are recreated by the charming Elaine Hartley, who brings a wonderfully refreshing energy to proceedings with each characterisation. Joe Warriner is aptly vulnerable as the Victorian entrepreneur, Mr Hudson and Robert Temple is perfectly disturbing as the Chief Guide. British theatre royalty, Simon Callow, also delivers a touching eulogy, beautifully demonstrating the quality of Wilkes' writing.

Jon Legg does a great job of directing a relatively static play, within Paul Ralph's suitably stark and clinical set design, while Ben Merrick's atmospheric lighting design and Andrew Davis and Neil Rose's clever sound design enhance the production.

This play is definitely worth going to see. It is fresh and contemporary writing with mainstream appeal. It supports and utilises local, professional talent and we need much more of this. Elysian Fields runs until Saturday.

FALLEN ANGELS

Malvern Festival Theatre

BILL KENWRIGHT PRODUCTIONS

In a change to the advertised production of ‘The Governess’ due to unforeseen circumstances, Malvern Theatre audiences are treated to the delightful, Noel Coward romp, Fallen Angels.

The play stars Jenny Seagrove and Sarah Crowe in the eponymous roles of two seemingly respectable ladies who whip themselves up into a frenzy, after receiving postcards from a mutual past lover, as they prepare to discard their dull, lust lacking husbands for want of exotic passion and languishing love.

Seagrove looks as elegant as ever in the role of Julia, in whose luxurious apartment the action takes place and Daniel Hill is ideal as her perplexed, put upon husband, Fred. Crowe, as Jane, comes into her own in this style of character and gives one of her best performances to date. Both ladies offer a wonderfully exhaustive, physical performance in the second act to the great enjoyment of those in the auditorium. It is always a pleasure to see Robin Sebastian on stage, better know for his superb performances as Kenneth Williams, this time presenting Jane’s dashing and level headed husband, Willy. Philip Battley is dashing as the French lover, Maurice and Gillian McCafferty fully utilises every opportunity afforded her in the brilliant guise of Sauders, the maid.

Roy Marsden directs an energetic show, with engaging characters and creates suitably farcical moments while maintaining clarity of storytelling. Paul Farnsworth’s set beautifully encapsulates the opulence and grandeur of the twenties, an era of change and hedonistic living. This tale is as relevant today as it was nearly a century ago and this is what perhaps makes this production so entertaining.

HENRY VI

Malvern Festival Theatre

SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE (GLOBE THEATRE ON TOUR)

Graham Butler as King Henry VI

What an absolute delight it is to be able to experience a Globe Theatre production without the trek to London. Malvern Festival Theatre is home to a band of immensely talented players this week as they present the three parts of Henry VI over three nights before running the trilogy all day on Saturday. On Sunday the action moves to the historic battlefield in Tewkesbury for an open air telling of Shakespeare’s interpretation of this King’s reign.

A towering set provides a suitably bleak platform for the action that takes place in England and France following the death of King Henry V. Part 1, entitled Harry The Sixth, sees struggles for power on home turf as well as across The Channel. While the nobles begin to divide their loyalties between the house of York and Lancaster, the scheming Bishop of Winchester (Mike Grady) seizes the opportunity to gain power and influence. The French, led by Charles The Dauphin (Simon Harrison) are victorious in many recent battles with the English but take a beating in Orleans. They soon find a new alley in the form of Joan of Arc (Beatriz Romilly), whose supernatural influence changes their fortunes until she is eventually captured and France surrender. Peace loving Henry (Graham Butler), in an effort to unite nations, agrees to marry the beautiful, Margaret of Anjou (Mary Doherty) and this where we leave Part 1, with a vibrant celebration.

This is a lavish production, with elegant costumes, much swashbuckling and a wonderful use of percussion to heighten the experience. All of the cast are delightfully eloquent and although the more mature cast members better master vocal strength, everyone’s dialogue is wonderfully clear. Director, Dominic Dromgoole, has nurtured excellent performances from the entire cast and the contrast offered between the almost pantomimic baddy of the Bishop and Monty Python like French knights, alongside the more naturalist characters of Lord Talbot (Andrew Sheriden) and Richard Plantagenet (Brendan O’Hea) works perfectly and is probably more true to Shakespeare’s original intentions. Nigel Hastings, whose stage presence is captivating and engaging, gives a particularly notable performance in this production.

If you have been enjoying the recent series of The White Queen, or the accompanying documentary then you will certainly enjoy this, which is effectively the intriguing prequel. Each play stands on it’s own so it won’t matter if you missed the first part. Get your tickets now!

SOUL SISTER

Malvern Festival Theatre

BILL KENWRIGHT PRODUCTIONS & WIZARD PRESENTS

The incredible highs and devastating lows in the life of music legends, Ike and Tina Turner, are magnificently played out in the new tour, of the West End triumph, Soul Sister at Malvern Theatres this week. A cast of unbelievably gifted performers present a story that spans over forty years from the discovery of Anna Mae Bullock, a quirky, young black girl from Tennessee who became one half of the most influential music duos in history, Ike and Tina Turner. The couple's tumultuous relationship is explored with a back catalogue of some of the most groundbreaking and popular music ever heard.

The iconic role of Tina usually played by Jenny Fitzpatrick, is taken on this time by the striking Maria Omakinwa, who’s physical and vocal interpretation of this music giant is utterly awe inspiring. Hardly ever leaving the stage, the demands of the role must be exhausting and yet her focus and energy never faltered, not for one second. Omakinwa’s jaw dropping performance is equally matched by Chris Tummings, who is absolutely superb in his portrayal of the troubled genius, Ike Turner. Actor musicians are commonplace within musical theatre now and Tummings being an accomplished guitarist adds extra authenticity to his characterisation. Another actor musician, Msimisi Dlamini, who plays Ike’s best friend, Ray, seriously gets his groove on when armed with his guitar, busting some smooth moves. The Ikette’s are made up of Helena Dowling, Katy Lye, Tamara McKoy-Patterson and Portia Harry, who appear to have an endless supply of energised, dynamic moves and stunning vocals as the band’s backing singers. They all give a literally breathtaking performance throughout, in character every second they are on stage. The band is also amazing and all six members add so much to this incredible production. Simply brilliant!

Jason Pennycooke’s choreography is wonderfully relentless and Laura Hopkins’ set design is ingenious and keeps the show moving at a pace, with excellent video projection designed by Simon Wainwright. Devised and directed by Pete Brooks and John Miller, Soul Sister is definitely deserving of its Olivier nomination for Best Musical this year.

Wow! Just WOW! This show is AWESOME and has to be seen. Get your tickets now, if it’s not too late!

'The 39 Steps' review

Malvern Festival Theatre

THE 39 STEPS (Fiery Angel Limited)

Charlotte Peters and Richard Ede

Patrick Barlow’s brilliant adaptation of John Buchan’s classic novel The 39 Steps opened to a packed house at Malvern Festival Theatre last night, as it tours the UK. This exhilarating, melodramatic romp may not be what fans of the Hitchcock thriller are expecting but they certainly won’t be disappointed.

An energised cast of just four gifted performers present a plethora of characters in the telling of this story of intrigue and love. Richard Ede perfectly encapsulates the charming protaganist, Richard Hannay, who unwittingly becomes embroiled in a murderous plot of international espionage. His impressive, physical prowess is equally matched by the remaining male component of the show, Tony Bell and Gary Mackay, who work wonderfully in sync as they enact a mind-blowing number of roles, often in speedy succession, as Hannay journeys the length and breadth of Britain. The belle of ball is Charlotte Peters who is absolutely outstanding in her performance as femme fatale, underdog and feisty heroine battling with her love for the unlikely hero. The action is exhausting and hilarious and will have you grinning inanely throughout.

Gary Mackay and Richard Ede

This multi-award winning production is the achievement of an incredible creative team who have collaborated to bring an utterly refreshing piece of theatre to the stage. Barlow’s superb writing, with Maria Aitken’s innovative vision and direction combined with the undeniable talents of Peter McKintosh (set and costume design), Ian Scott (lighting design), Mic Pool (sound design) and Toby Sedgwick (movement director) prove that, in a time when only musicals tend to sell out, quality plays can still fill theatres.

This tour is as good as the current West End production, which is in its 6^th year and absolutely deserved it’s many curtain calls, tumultuous applause, whoops and cheers. Take this amazing opportunity to see theatrical brilliance at its best while you can. Get your tickets now!

'The Woman In Black' review

Malvern Festival Theatre

THE WOMAN IN BLACK (PW Productions)
 

After the huge success of the recent movie starring Daniel Radcliffe, the stage adaptation of Susan Hill’s Victorian ghost story, The Woman In Black, makes a welcome return to Malvern Theatres this week. Stephen Mallatratt’s play is in its 25^th year in London, testament to the brilliance of this late playwright’s work.

Young, London solicitor, Arthur Kipps, travels up north to attend the funeral of Mrs Alice Drablow and to put her affairs in order. A frosty reception from the locals leaves him bemused until he experiences a series of unnatural events that unravel a past tragedy with fatal repercussions.

Robin Herford directs a stagecraft masterclass, transforming a relatively bare stage with a bit of furniture into a variety of locations, including the sinister Eel Marsh House and treacherous Nine Lives Causeway, superbly enhanced by the lighting and sound skills of Kevin Sleep and Gareth Owen, respectively.

Julian Forsyth is perfect as Kipps who, with a little support and encouragement from his theatrical muse, explores a catalogue of characters vital in the telling of his tale. The epic role of The Actor is deftly handled by Anthony Eden whose energy, enthusiasm and focus never falter, as he confronts the demon that dwells in the darkness. Audrone Koc is unnervingly wonderful as the infamous Woman In Black and makes much more of an appearance in this production than before. At times this works to great effect but her more visible presence arguably steals some of the mystery and supernatural element from the show.

Although the more modern Festival Theatre lacks the atmosphere of the West End home of this spine-chilling story, this is still a thoroughly entertaining night out and well worth seeing even if only for the impressive art of creative storytelling so beautifully demonstrated.

'Save The Last Dance For Me' review

Malvern Festival Theatre

SAVE THE LAST DANCE FOR ME (Bill Kenwright & Laurie Mansfield)

Fans of the hit show ‘Dreamboats and Petticoats’ will be thrilled with the creative team’s latest offering, currently at Malvern Festival Theatre. ‘Save The Last Dance For Me’ is a musical showcasing the works of Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman. Timeless classics such as Viva Las Vegas, Sweets For My Sweet, Teenager In Love, And Then He Kissed Me, Please Mr Postman and Tell Her are interwoven into a charming love story set on an American Air Force base in Lowestoft in the early sixties. Free from their parents, two sisters from Luton head off to the seaside, finding love and romance in unexpected places.

Musical talent oozes from every pore of this immensely gifted cast of actor musicians. Kieran McGinn, Curtis, really comes into his own every time he serenades his young love, Marie, played by Elizabeth Carter who possesses the face and voice of an angel. Verity Jones is captivating to watch as the older sister, Jennifer, proving her exceptional skills as a comedic actress, singer and dancer. The star of the show is unquestionably the incredibly talented Lee Honey-Jones who charms with his effortless vocals, energised moves and super characterisation as Milton. Jay Perry is an impressive vocalist as Rufus, while Sally Peerless and Alex Hammond deliver great performances as the girl’s, long suffering parents. The rest of the supporting cast delivered slick performances throughout, maintaining the energy and enthusiasm required for such a show.

Bill Kenwright’s direction is boosted by the choreographic genius of Bill Deamer, who only this weekend won the Olivier Award for best theatre choreographer. Laurence Marks and Maurice Gran write simple, but effective dialogue that keeps the story moving along at a pace although a dialect coach should have been utilised to help with some of the accents explored in this show. Mark Bailey’s set and costume design perfectly compliment the era and vibrancy of the time and Tom De Keyser creates instrumental magic through his musical supervision.

Save The Last Dance For Me is a thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable night out with a sweet storyline and outstanding, live music.

'The Pitmen Painters' reveiw

Malvern Festival Theatre

THE PITMEN PAINTERS (Bill Kenwright Productions)

Following sell-out seasons at the National Theatre, on Broadway and in the West End, the award-winning play, The Pitmen Painters, returns to Malvern Festival Theatre this week to packed houses. Penned by Lee Hall, creator of the worldwide sensation Billy Elliot, The Pitmen Painters tells the true story of a group of Northumberland miners who, in 1934, hired a professor to teach an art appreciation evening class, which quickly transformed into an actual painting class. The resulting works soon drew attention from collectors, critics and other prestigious artists and gave this group of miners standing in the art community while they continued to toil down the mine. Over ten years, the pitmen struggle with the attention they receive from a class system, to which they don’t belong, as they strive for nationalisation of the pits.

A previous cast photo of the WEA and Prof. Lyon

A different cast to the previous tour, everyone, without exception, delivers fantastic performances, in this wonderful ensemble piece. Joe Caffrey, Philip Correia, Riley Jones, Nicholas Lumley and Donald McBride make up the intriguingly diverse members of the WEA, while Louis Hilyer presides as the educator and Catherine Dryden and Suzy Cooper delightfully challenge the male energies with their liberal minds. The actors excel in their roles, particularly Jones with his characterisation of Lumley’s nephew and Correia, an incredible young actor, who gives a breathtaking, passionate performance as Oliver Kilbourn.

Despite the set being in need of some necessary care and attention in places, not unusual for a Kenwright production, Max Robert’s perfect direction with Gary McCann’s stage design ensures the play captivates from the very beginning.

The Pitmen Painters is pure, inspirational theatre. Hilarious, tragic, poignant, educational, thought provoking and extremely moving, the tale of these miners unquestionably captures the heart. In essence it’s the prequel to Billy Elliott but whatever it may be it is definitely superb and utterly brilliant! This stunning production runs until Saturday and has to be seen.

'Maurice's Jubilee' review

Malvern Festival Theatre

MAURICE'S JUBILEE (Pleasance Theatre Trust, PW & Wild Thyme Productions)


The immensely talented Nichola McAuliffe makes a majestic return to Malvern Festival Theatre following her magnificent performance as the eponymous ‘Lady In The Van’ last year. This time she delights audiences with more superb characterisations, not only as an actor but also as the author of this delightfully poignant comedy, Maurice’s Jubilee.

Julian Glover, Sheila Reid & Nichola McAuliffe

On tour, after premiering at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe, McAuliffe’s latest play brilliantly explores an incredibly emotive subject with endearing charm and gentle humour. The distinguished Julian Glover, presents Maurice, a retired jeweller, who is determined, despite the odds, to see out a promise made sixty years ago on the eve of the Queen’s coronation. Sheila Reid, another comedic queen, plays Maurice’s devoted wife who struggles to cope in whatever way she can, with the help of the new nurse who has arrived to offer the palliative care.

McAuliffe’s traditional approach to the telling of this tale is perfect and as comfortable to experience as Maurice’s armchair. The first act is in real time and relies on inspiring, witty dialogue to warm us to the three characters as their story unfurls and concludes with the most wonderful soliloquy, eloquently delivered by Glover. The second act smoothly glides through the next day and gives another moving monologue from an unexpected guest.

Hannah Eidinow directs this fantastic piece with sincerity and simplicity and McAuliffe is to be congratulated on yet another superb performance and for the quality of material. The tour is proud to support Age UK and donations can be taken at the theatre, so please gives generously. The fantastic Maurice’s Jubilee runs until Saturday. Go and see it!

'Birdsong' review

Malvern Festival Theatre

BIRDSONG (The Original Theatre Company Production)

The Battle of the Somme

Sebastian Faulks’ bestselling novel has been cleverly adapted for stage and is gracing Malvern Festival Theatre this week. Rachel Wagstaff’s play seamlessly glides between 1910 and historic events of The Great War. With France as the backdrop, the protagonist in this tale is Stephen Wraysford who relives his romance with the captivating Isabelle Azaire, the battered wife of a ruthless factory owner, while leading his company through the monstrosities of the Battle of the Somme.

Victoria Spearing has created the most magnificently imposing set that, with the help of Alex Wardle’s stunning lighting design, creates a perfectly atmospheric space to transport the characters into the many varied locations presented throughout the story. Director, Alastair Whatley beautifully choreographs the changes from one scene into the next, magically merging the different times and many locations.

A true ensemble piece, twelve talented actors present a multitude of parts, with a Joshua Higgott and Tim van Eyken also providing musical accompaniment. Jonathan Smith, although guilty, at times, of trying too hard and thereby losing the emotional truth, handles the extreme demands of the lead role securely while Sarah Jayne Dunn is simply exquisite to watch as Isabelle Azaire. Arthur Bostrum, most famous for his appalling French accent as the policeman in ‘Allo ‘Allo, quickly and flamboyantly discards that iconic role. Polly Hughes gives a notably fearless performance as Lisette Azaire and a prostitute and Tim Treloar is reassuringly consistent and strong in the ‘narrative’ role of Jack Firebrace, whose experience and ease on stage shone through.

This is an epic show, brilliantly adapted for stage and is bound to be a hit with fans of the book. War dramas are exhausting and often harrowing and this production delivers on both counts being sympathetic in word and deed to the great heroes of our times. In keeping with the subject matter, this tour is proudly supporting the charity Help For Heroes. Birdsong runs until Saturday.

'Joseph' review

Malvern Festival Theatre

JOSEPH AND HIS AMAZING TECHNICOLOUR DREAMCOAT
(Bill Kenwright Ltd)

After an absence last year, Malvern Festival Theatre is again rocking to the ever-popular tunes of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s classic Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This foot-tapping show still pulls in the crowds and it’s not surprising. Great songs, fantastic vocals, an amazing band, striking sets, a wealth of incredible costumes and stunning lighting make for a wonderful evenings entertainment. This is one of Lloyd Webber’s oldest shows and arguably his best. For those who have seen it before, there have been some lovely little alterations made to keep it fresh, including a brand new song.

Keith Jack, who came second in Any Dream Will Do, returns in the title role giving a truly wonderful characterisation. Lauren Ingram is a gentle Narrator and delivered this immense role with calm and sincerity. Luke Jasztal articulates Pharaoh’s ‘Elvis’ number perfectly, a feat not previously achieved by his predecessors. Henry Metcalfe also gives his best performance to date as Jacob.

The large male cast hardly get time to breathe as they play a host of characters in this Old Testament tale and give their all in an exhausting display of talent, none more so than Richard J Hunt as Judah/Baker. Marcus Ayton excites with his impressive vocals and Simon Ouldred shines for the brief time he is on. The three female dancers, despite some unbelievably fast costume changes, bring lovely elegance to the performance from the beginning right through to the end of the Joseph Megamix and several Reprises.

If you are fortunate enough to have tickets to this sold out production, you’re in for a magical, musical time. Joseph runs until Saturday but please check Malvern Theatre for the times of performances as they vary throughout the week.

'A Midsummer Night's Dream' Review

Malvern Festival Theatre

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM (Custom/Practice & TEG Productions)

The Winter’s Tale would seem the appropriate Shakespearean play to attend this week, while in the grip of another wintery blast. Yet, do not these dark nights, icy winds and snow-filled skies leave us dreaming of summer? Perhaps A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Malvern Festival Theatre is perfect timing.

Custom/Practice Theatre Company enjoyed acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe last year with this interpretation of Shakespeare’s original and most famous ‘Rom-Com’, an enchanting fairytale of the magical mayhem that ensues when lovers flee royal decrees, passions are unrequited and the fairy kingdom is at war.

A vibrant cast of eight cleverly portray the large collection of characters against Rosa Maggiora’s simplistic set design, which was the ideal platform for the actors to display their many talents. Liam Mansfield is commanding as Oberon, Rebecca Meyer is beautiful as Titania. Clare McMahon is feisty in the role of Hermia, while her lover Daniel Francis-Swaby is charming as Lysander. Rebecca Loudon is wonderfully tragic as the love sick, Helena and Naoufal Ousellam is dashing as Demetrius. Shane Frater’s Puck was understated, whereas the opposite is true of Lorenzo Martelli’s superbly obnoxious Bottom!

Director, Rae McKen’s vision worked perfectly with the target audience, engaging them from beginning to end and filling the auditorium with raucous laughter throughout the players enactment of Pyramus and Thisbe, the staging of which earned the characters their title of the ‘Crude’ Mechanicals. The components from the rest of the creative team worked together superbly to capture the magic within the live performance, particularly Ed Lewis’ music and sound design.

The energised eloquence of this production makes Shakespeare incredibly accessible and fun. This is definitely one to go and see. A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs until Saturday.