A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Crucible Theatre Sheffield Review

Reviewed by Nigel Chester

Sheffield can be proud of its theatre complex, comprising of The Lyceum, the Crucible and the Crucible Studio, making them the largest regional theatre complex in the country.

The drive into the city is easy, and if you choose to park in the Q car park on Charles St, you can obtain a ticket at the theatre for a reduced parking fee.

For the first time, my companion and I visited the Crucible, a bright and modern theatre, that enjoys grade 2 listed status, for William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Brought to us by the artistic director, Robert Hastie, who particularly enjoys using the space to direct Shakespeare, as it is almost in the round, and at capacity, can seat an audience of around a thousand.

The plays of Shakespeare are well known the world over, and of all his plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is without doubt, my personal favourite.

It is a story of fairy magic, true love and unrequited love, a story of politics and (not PC in today’s world) a father’s ownership of his daughter. Finally, for me the very best part is the group of inept villagers (the mechanicals), who are attempting to put on a play for the entertainment of the court at the forthcoming wedding of nobles, Theseus (Phil Cheadle) and Hippolyta (Pandora Colin), who also take on the roles of Oberon and Titania, king and queen of the fairy folk.

The bizarrely named Bottom, played by Daniel Rigby, as always, brings A Midsummer Night’s Dream to life and I think that Rigby’s Bottom is one of the best I’ve seen.

So, what does this production bring to an audience, who, like me, might be a fan of this play, or more importantly, a person yet to experience Shakespeare’s brilliant comedy.

Firstly, the play was accessible, although the script was Shakespeare’s, it wasn’t slavishly adhered to, the funniest line, when the mechanicals asked Theseus if he wanted to see their “Mega-mix”

The staging was simple but beautiful, a high moon hung above, a galaxy below. Lighting design by Richard Howell, made up for lack of props – no trees in this woodland.

Casting and costume were superb, I have been confused before, between the four lovers, Hermia (Patricia Allison), Helena (Evelyn Miller), Lysander (Lorne Macfadyen) and Demetrius (Toheeb Jimoh) these were stand-out, dressed in contrasting pastel colours (Pink, Blue, Yellow and Green), the girls were of different heights, as I believe was Shakespeare’s intent.

Our fairies were neon clad and performed with robotic movement, whilst not a musical, several songs captured the moment and moved the story on. And for me it was definitely original, it was magical, wonderful and brilliantly bizarre. My only criticism would be the sound, at times I felt the dialogue was a little rushed and somewhat unclear and due to this, meaning was lost.

Evelyn Miller was fabulous and I heard every word, for me she was the stand – out actor, but Francesca Mills’ tap-dancing lion was certainly a highlight.

This performance was a delight and the audience were well entertained and the applause at the end, well earned.

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost from £15 to £35 (booking fees may apply).

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from 28 September to 20 October 2018, for more information or to book tickets visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk or call the box office on 0114 249 6000.

Crucible Theatre, 55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1DA | 0114 249 6000