Grand Opera House York – until Sunday 11th May 2025
Reviewed by Michelle Richardson
4****
York Stage are currently treading the boards at the Grand Opera House York. Under the direction of Nik Briggs, their latest production is Shakespeare’s comedy play, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I was fortunate to attend opening night, and I was excited to see their fresh interpretation of such a classical well-known piece of work.
The play is a truly crazy, bonkers story, where reality and the world of fairies merge. Set in the mystical realm of Athens, where comedy and chaos collide, you get three sagas for the price of one. Two pairs of mismatched lovers, a mischievous group of fairies, led by a fairy King and Queen, and a ramshackle troupe of amateur actors. As the audience is drawn into the enchanting world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the playful elements of the piece take centre stage. Magical mishaps, love potions and fairy mischief create romantic chaos, but ultimately love prevails.
This isn’t your usual run of the mill Shakespeare, York Stage have shaken things up with the set, the costumes and the music. Straight from the off, the stage is set with metal railings, the actors decked out in metallic and animal print costumes, very 80’s disco vibe. The Moon (May Tether) is belting out “Freed from Desire”, whilst the stage is shimmering with enthusiastic ravers. Certainly, a break from tradition, but intertwined with Shakespearean dialogue, it makes for a compelling piece of theatre.
Theseus (Mark Holgate) is soon to be married to Hippolyta (York favourite Suzy Cooper), but they get drawn into a family quarrel courtesy of Egeus (York Stage matriarch Joanne Theaker). This conflict about love matches gets more complicated with the manipulation of the fairies, and the involvement of the mischievous Puck (James Robert Ball). The play within the play, is to celebrate the upcoming nuptials. It is there we meet Bottom (Ian Giles) and the rest of the troupe. The action becomes more absurd and comical as they stumble through rehearsals, until their final performance hysterical performance.
At times it was a struggle to hear what the actors were saying, especially with the Shakesperean language, and the plot can be confusing to say the least. Saying that, the whole cast performed with energy and charisma and brought this whimsical play to life.
May Tether was hitting the high notes, with hits like “You’ve Got the Love” and “Show Me Love”, often descending or flying through the air. Hats off to her. The choreography throughout was executed with much exuberance and vigour and one of the highlights of the evening.
The costumes were superb, vivid and vibrant. A theme running throughout, the same animal prints appearing in a lot of the cast’s clothing. The fairies didn’t have traditional voile tutus, instead they wore metallic pieces, whilst the fairy ensemble were encased in silver lame suits. The drama group outfits, during their final performance were a feast of orange workwear, so fitting for this interpretation, and providing much merriment. The edition of a shell suit, in a metallic animal print, worn by chavvy Puck and huge gold chain worn by Oberon, were reminiscent of tv shows Shameless and Brassic. Who knew they would fit in with a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream? The only negative I had was Bottom when he turned into a donkey, his headpiece was underwhelming, I wanted more.
As ever with York Stage, they have a live band performing, under the direction of Stephen Hackshaw. This musical accompaniment is always a highlight of their productions, and a joy to hear.
Whilst not your traditional Shakespearean play, it is refreshing to see something different and a new take on an old favourite. York Stage and their wonderful performers have delivered an energetic, fun and somewhat bizarre show. What more could you ask for from a night out at the theatre?