The Stage

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Published Thursday 6 July 2006 at 15:30 by Thom Dibdin

There is a naivity to David Davies and Mina Anwar in this alfresco production from the British Shakespeare Company. Davies, as Theseus and Oberon, seems over-awed by his lines to the point of cliche. Anwar, as Hippolyta and Titania, is so star-struck by hers that she appears to have little understanding of them.

Fortunately, as the backdrop of Edinburgh Castle is enough to up-stage anyone, the production as a whole is not in awe of its material. Stage and set, a suitably hedged mock stone terrace with plenty of apron out front, are simple enough to fit in with any surrounding.

Robert J Williamson’s direction allows the words to carry, not force, the production. At its best, this creates a brilliantly dynamic and hilarious lovers’ argument scene between Maxine Gregory’s up-front Helena and Liana Weafer’s shrewish Hermia, with athletic support from the otherwise statuesque Luciano Dodero (Demetrius) and Matt Hebden (Lysander).

This draws the comedic attention away from the mechanicals - lead by Williamson as Bottom with Michael Gabe as Quince - allowing their scenes to grow naturally. Comic, but not overblown, performances from John Ioannou (Flute), Christopher Robert (Snout), Liam Gerrard (Starveling) and Robert Crumpton (Snug) make a naturalistic play scene.

Only Bottom’s ass scenes lose out and seem under-played. That, however, is a problem with the fairies. Wayne Sleep is not controlling enough as Puck to be as knowing as he is. Natasha Kemball makes valiant attempts as Peaseblossom, but there is simply not enough of her to balance the failings elsewhere.