Once you get your head around the fact that the entire cast of characters in Propeller’s touring version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is male - a feat in fairness which doesn’t take too long - what follows is a thoroughly entertaining, beautifully set and consummately performed version of what is, possibly, the Bard’s most loved play.
Never once do the cast undercut on the laughs that tip from the audience in waves, headed with performances by Richard Frame doubling as Hermia and Snug with superb comic timing and Bob Barrett as a delightfully pompous Bottom, each and every member gives their all. Also worthy of mention is Richard Clothier’s Oberon, who masterly in his mischief-making, is handsomely contrite in his remorse, with great skill and presence. Excellent too as Robin Goodfellow - replete with Dorothy-esque red shoes and stripy leggings - is Jon Trenchard, who clearly delights in his meddling to such an extent one wonders how much is him and how much is his character. Aided and abetted by other fine performances coming from Babou Ceesay as a deliciously desperate Helena and John Tarlton as a fabulously befuddled Lysander, what Propeller has put together here is an absolute treat to rank with any previous production.
The set, a stage-consuming tapestry of stunning white lace, transports the audience to the fairy world in a way the modern reliance on video could never do and adds to an experience that is as eminently memorable as it is fun to watch.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
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