A Midsummer Nights Dream Review
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
5-9 March 2013
Reviewed by Natalie Sackett
On Tuesday the 5 March I attended the opening night of Custom/Practice and TEG Productions’ adaptation of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford.
Like many, the last time I saw a production of Shakespeare’s work was whilst I was at school over a decade ago. I took along my ten year old daughter to give her a taste of what was to come during her English lessons over the next few years and I am so glad that I took her.
From the outset the performance was captivating. The opening scene is set within a detention class at a school with uninterested, bickering pupils and an intriguing teacher who magically transports his charges back to ancient Athens. The love story of Lysander and Hermia is played out by eight very talented cast members, each taking on two roles in this fast paced and funny play within a play.
From the meddling Oberon and his love potions, the unrequited love of Helena for Demitrius and the hilarious play put on by Quince and his troupe we were thoroughly entertained by wonderful acting by the cast. The set, especially that of the forest, added depth to the performance whilst clever lighting and forest sounds made us feel we were ourselves in the scene and watching from within the forest.
In the second part of the play we are treated to Quince and company’s performance of Pyramus and Thisbe for the Duke and Duchess of Athens which was laugh out loud funny. It comprises of a uninterested lion, a man in women’s clothing, a wall, the man in the moon, the hilarious Bottom as Pyramus and some elaborate dancing.
The performance was full of energy and seamless throughout considering just eight actors play all of the parts between them. The production itself would be enjoyed by both those familiar and unfamiliar with the original play and by audience’s young and old. My daughter was enthralled, as was I and would highly recommend watching this production if you get the chance.
Rating: 5/5 
For more information or to book tickets visit Yvonne Arnaud here.
