A Midsummer Night’s Dream At Theatre On Kew Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Chelsea
This was such a magical evening and experience, I would highly recommend for a date night, mates evening, or an experience with family. The setting is absolutely stunning; in the grounds of Kew Gardens, a lovely, simple stage, with huge natural trees as a backdrop. The sun set throughout the show, and by the end, we really were under the stars! With a majority of this play being set in the woods, being outside within nature really immersed everyone!
The show started off with such high energy, and that did not falter throughout. An eclectic mix of Shakespeare and modern-day humour was fantastic, allowing everyone to follow what was going on. I personally did not remember ever coming across A Midsummer Night’s Dream previously, I wasn’t too sure what to expect; it was beautifully portrayed and those modern mix-ins definitely helped move things along. The high energy levels of the actors helped us stay super encouraged.
The immersive sections of the production were hilarious! The actors were just so confident, and so willing to get right up in with the audience, but in a very calm and mindful way – no one was made to feel uncomfortable, there were some sections where you could shout scenarios in for a spot of improv, and the team did it fantastically, and even broke character and had a little laugh, which made it all the more entertaining.
I would highly recommend bringing a low camping chair and blanket (they had a limited amount of chairs available and these were super comfy!). Bring some warmer clothes as the temperature did drop throughout, and a raincoat as the show will go on unless it’s stormy. There is a small bar available, but you are welcome to bring in a picnic or snacks and drinks.
All team on site were incredibly lovely and so keen to help with whatever was needed. An added bonus to the theatre ticket is that entry to the gardens on the day of the show is permitted! This meant we had an entire day and evening out, and it was honestly just so lovely.
Rating: 4/5
Tickets cost £17-£39.50 dependent on age and there are some concessions prices within that range (Kew Members get 10% off ticket prices!). Take full advantage of the theatre ticket allowing access to the gardens (garden entry tickets are normally £10-£22).
The Australian Shakespeare Company’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is a showing at 7:30PM Tuesday-Sunday until September 1st, 2024. There are also shows during the day aimed at younger audiences by the same company that people we saw walking around the gardens said were amazing!
For more information or to book tickets visit https://theatreonkew.starlight-tickets.co.uk/sales/shows/under-the-stars/a-midsummer-nights-dream or https://www.theatreonkew.org/shows/a-midsummer-nights-dream-kew-gardens?or call the box office on 02083325655, or email them on ticketing@starlight-tickets.co.uk.
Entry is via Victoria Gate of Kew Gardens, the team are on hand to direct you to the performance stage; Kew Gardens can be found at Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE. The closest tube station is Kew Gardens on the District Line, about a 10 minute walk away!