Writer: William Shakespeare
Directors: Rachel Bagshaw and Robin Belfield
In this co-production of A Midsummer’s Night Dream, the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and the Unicorn Theatre create a magical interpretation of the beloved Shakespearean play. This play is suitable ages seven and above and is centred around making Shakespeare accessible and easy to understand to children.
The play is reworked for younger audiences. Though the language and the interpretations are meant for a younger audience, this does not take away from the comedic effect. This production uses the slapstick humour of the original play and breathes fresh air into the dialogue to make this a fun production. Much of the original Shakespearean language is kept, but easier to follow, drawing laughter from children and adults alike.
The stage is simple; a plain building greets the audience, with a hint of what is to come. There are two tyres tied up in the centre of the stage that promises a more fun setting. The set is a marvel, with many hidden passageways where the actors come and go. Each character is properly introduced helping to ensure the audience can tell who is who. Distinct outfits, some all in one solid colour help, with this as well. Not only that, but the audience is able to read along with what the actor is saying. On the building, the dialogue appears and indicates who is speaking. The language of Shakespeare can be hard to follow solely by words, but by allowing audiences to read what is said, a greater understanding of the language is made possible.
The visual effects are stunning to watch and they take the simple set and transform it into the magical woods where fairies buzz around creating mischief. The seating at the theatre is first come, first serve and the actors fully move around the set to ensure that there are no bad seats in this production.
The actors occasionally join the audience, as well as get the audience to interact with clapping. As normal for a Midsummer production, Bottom, played by Emmy Stonelake, is a comic. Their humour, mannerisms and timings are a pleasure to watch. Other than Puck, played as whimsical and fun loving by Josephine-Fransilja Brookman, the rest of the actors double up as other characters. This is usually only done with the Titania/Hippolyta and Oberon/Theseus characters, but with the help of costumes, and good acting, there is no confusion as to why main actors are playing secondary roles.
Though this play is geared towards little ones, it is fierce! This is a wonderful production to introduce a child to the world of Shakespeare.
Runs until 10 May 2026
