Leeds Grand Theatre – until 31 October 2024
Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood
4****
Opera North’s new Season is underway with A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Leeds Grand Theatre. Benjamin Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is based on his and Peter Pears’ libretto set on the Shakespeare comedy. The Three Act Opera first premiered in 1960 in Aldeburgh and this production was first performed in 2008.
The story is about Oberon (James Laing) and Tytania (Daisy Brown), King and Queen Fairies, who have an argument over a child. Oberon in revenge asks Puck (Daniel Abelson), his loyal spirit, to sprinkle some juice of a magical flower into Tytania’s eyes while she sleeps. The intention is for his wife to fall in love with the first creature she sees when she wakes up.
There is a ‘love square’ between four people: Hermia (Siân Griffiths), Lysander (Peter Kirk), Demetrius (James Newby) and Helena (Camilla Harris). Lysander and Demetrius want Hermia however Helena is not wanted but is in love with Demetrius. Oberon intends to make Demetrius love Helena with assistance from Puck and use of the magic potion. However, Puck gets Lysander instead and subsequently the scenario becomes chaotic along with a confused trance like dreamy ambience, reflecting their state of minds.
The staging is interesting and contemporary and set in the 1960s at the time the opera was written, and the staging with is translucent Perspex and enormous bubbles floating above the stage. The characters specifically the four lovers, reflect flower power and its retro and vintage vibes resonates one of the 1960s. Noted is the sharp attire with the use of metallic silver for the costumes of Oberon and Tytania and the black wings and same-like blonde wigs for the fairies, performed by children.
Excellent portrayals of the characters from the cast members. There is humour aplenty and laughter living up to the Shakespeare’s comedy. The standout performance must be Henry Waddington’s Nick Bottom, a weaver and his transformation as an ass. The engagement and entertainment Waddington bring to the characters captivates the audience. This is also same to Abelson’s Puck whose agility and pivotal presence noticeably unfolds the comedic attributes of when the plot unravels.
The cast are supported by Martin Duncan and Matthew Eberhardt’s direction and Ben Wright’s choreography. The contemporary and Swinging Sixties staging and costumes by the late Johan Engels and Ashley Martin-Davies. The staging is complimented by Bruno Poet’s lighting and its marvellous use of colours illuminating the Perspex and the bubbles on stage. Musically lead by Garry Walker, Britten’s composition plays so well to the play referencing the society changing era of the 1960s of when the music was composed.
Like all Shakespeare’s comedies, the story ends all well. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is recommendable and an entertaining production.