A Midsummer Night’s Dream COMMENT 29 Dec 2023

 

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

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