Review: A Midsummer Night’s Dream – The Theatre Royal

A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is one of Shakespeare’s finest works, blending creativity and humour with a darker undertone.

This opera adaptation by Benjamin Britten, with a libretto by Britten and Peter Pears, unfolded in three acts. Directed by Martin Duncan and conducted by Garry Walker, I found the musical format to be effective and enchanting.

The minimalistic stage design utilised transparent sheets and colourless balloons which gave off a sort of dreamy vibe, setting the atmosphere for the whole play to come.

At the beginning of the performance I was struck with the pleasing and somewhat worbling sounds emanating from the orchestra pit situated in-front of the stage, as numerous fairies, each played by talented children, filled the stage. 

The whole of Opera North’s cast were captivating, to be frank, particularly in the harmonies among lovers and tradesmen.

James Laing’s ‘Oberon’ and Daisy Brown’s ‘Tytania’ characters literally stood out with mirror encrusted costumes which frequently dazzled the eye with reflected lights.

Camilla Harris as the love-stricken ‘Helena’ and Siân Griffiths as ‘Hermia’ were portrayed wonderfully well with their singing voices something else! T

he playful rivalry between Peter Kirk’s ‘Lysander’ and James Newby’s ‘Demetrius’ also added a lot of energy to the chaotic fun of the performance. And let us not forget the mischievous and unpredictable sprite, Puck, played by Daniel Abelson. Barely clothed and sporting hairy legs and the only cast member who communicated through speech rather than song, he added an element of lively comedy, leaping and bounding around the stage.

The loudest reaction, though, was seemingly reserved for the character of ‘Nick Bottom’ played by Henry Waddington who had the audience in frequent bouts of belly-laughter.

All in all Opera North’s performance of ‘A midsummer night’s dream’ was wonderfully enacted.

Bravo!

Review by James Toomey