OUTDOOR THEATRE
Written by William Shakespeare
Australian Shakespeare Company
At Botanical Gardens, Southern Cross Lawn, until 11 Feb 20224
Reviewer: Kate Herbert
Stars: NA
NB: Apologies to the company but I had to leave the performance early due to unforeseen circumstances. For this reason, the following is an observation rather than a full review of the production.
I’ll present a radio comment on Arts Weekly on 3MBS When we restart in early Feb 2024. KH
K
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| Fletcher O'Leary, Hugh Sexton, Cameron Shook and Syd Brisbane_Credit Ben Fon |
Glenn Elston’s 35th production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream under the stars is playful, youthful and irreverent, cheekily incorporating contemporary language, attitudes and references to update Shakespeare’s text and appeal to audiences unfamiliar with the Bard.
The Mechanicals are like a clutch of tittering, testosterone-soaked teenage boys who would hear sexual innuendo in a teacup. Syd Brisbane’s Puck has a devilish attitude and a primate-like gait and he compels his two acrobatic fairies (Fletcher O’Leary, Cierra Shook) to do his and Oberon’s bidding.
There are some notable performances, including the impressive Larissa Teale as Helena; Teale adroitly penetrates the poetic text, creating a credible and comprehensible Helena and giving the audience access to Shakespeare. Hugh Sexton is, as always, a treat to watch; he is dignified as Theseus and compelling as Oberon, the Fairy King.
As ever, the exquisite Botanical Gardens and its resident wildlife provide an evocative environmental backdrop to the simple staging.
Get out there with our picnic and see this celebratory and entertaining summer delight.
by Kate Herbert
CAST
TITANIA | HIPPOLYTA Nicole Nabout
OBERON | THESEUS Hugh Sexton
PUCK | PHILOSTRATE Syd Brisbane
HELENA | COBWEB Larissa Teale
HERMIA | FAIRY Olivia McLeod
DEMETRIUS | ROBIN STARVELING Tane Williams
LYSANDER | TOM SNOUT Alex Cooper
BOTTOM Elizabeth Brennan
PETER QUINCE | MUSTARDSEED Madeleine Somers
FRANCIS FLUTE Jackson McGovern
SNUG | FAIRY Henny Walters
PEASEBLOSSOM Fletcher O’Leary
MOTH Claire Duncan
PUCK’S ASSISTANT Cierra Shook