1:30pm Thursday 29th July 2010
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Stax
The Haymarket
THE Stax youth theatre group’s musical production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream put a modern twist on a classic Shakespearean play.
The main plot looks at the complex relationship between two sets of couples (Hermia and Lysander and Helena and Demetrius).
Their difficult relationships are confused and complicated further by entering the enchanted forest which Oberon (Conner Allan), the king of the fairies, and his queen Titania (Amy Tennison), inhabit. Not forgetting to mention Oberon’s loyal servant Puck (Jone Leung), who creates an abundance of romantic chaos and the unexpected addition of mystery-solving Scooby Doo (which added a light-hearted playfulness to the scene).
Other visitors to the enchanted forest include Bottom the weaver (Charlotte Newport), who has the unfortunate experience of having his head transformed into that of a donkey, and his friends Snug, Snout, Quince and Flute, who want to rehearse their not-so-professional play Pyramus and Thisbe.
With a fresh feel and a subtle hint of comedy, this production (pictured) successfully entwines modern culture whilst maintaining the authenticity of the parts, thus enabling it to be enjoyed by young and old alike.
The morphing set and delightful, humorous songs interspersed throughout the play did not fail to please the audience, who were in hysterics to Lysander’s (Rob England) rendition of Foxy Lady.
All the actors, although young, showed immense enthusiasm and potential as they put their own interpretation and personality into their characters.
Aside from the budding young talent, credit must be given to the direction of the play, by Ed Simpson, for the professionalism and team work instilled within the actors. This was reflected in the actors’ commitment and the respect shown to their parts.
The enthusiasm and excitement this performance evoked among the audience illustrates the success of the play. It was a unique performance that will be remembered for its humorous take on the complexity of love.
–Rachel Newport
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