Writer: William Shakespeare
Director: Elvi Piper
Nestled in the enchanting surroundings of Grosvenor Park, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, under the visionary direction of Elvi Piper, is unquestionably a highlight of Chester’s cultural calendar this summer. Piper hasn’t been afraid to take some risks with this production and they invariably pay off.
The addition of two digital screens providing captions is a simple yet effective way of ensuring complete accessibility whilst the cross-gender casting works remarkably well. Gender fluidity is often explored in presentations of the Bard’s works, but Piper’s decision to cast the traditionally sensual and overtly feminine Titania as a fast-talking Scotsman is inspired and portrayed with fervour by Laurie Jamieson. This bold interpretation breathes new life into the character, challenging preconceived notions and offering a fresh perspective on gender dynamics. Jamieson’s delivery of Titania’s famous line ‘What angel wakes me from my flowery bed’ is also riotously funny when delivered with Jamieson’s dulcet Glaswegian tones. Additionally, Alyce Liburd’s portrayal of Lysander brought a welcome twist to the character, showcasing her talent and defying conventional gender norms. The “rude mechanicals” emerged as a true highlight of the production, with Victoria Brazier’s palpably hilarious portrayal of Bottom, eliciting raucous laughter from the audience. The mechanicals’ scenes provided a delightful contrast to the magical elements of the play, showcasing the depth of the ensemble’s talent.
Another notable performance came from Daniel Burke as mischievous fairy king, Oberon. Burke balanced majesty and cunning, employing some impressive moments of fairy magic to manipulate the course of true love among the four young protagonists. Molly-Grace Cutler brought an irreverent energy to the role of the mischievous Puck, captivating the audience throughout. It was also a pleasure to witness the debut of two apprentices, Lara Field and Kameron Skeene, from Storyhouse’s young theatre company, as Snout and Snug. Field’s physical re-enactment of “The Wall” while Skeene’s natural and energetic interaction with the packed-out auditorium both brought an infectious joy to the performance.
A mention must also be given to the carnivalesque set design, reminiscent of a big top circus, heightening the whimsical atmosphere of the play. It perfectly complemented the magical and transformative nature of the story, creating a visually stunning backdrop that enhanced the overall experience. As is tradition in the park, anachronistic but fitting pop hits also punctuated the action, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to the performance. From Crazy Little Thing Called Love to I Put a Spell on You, these modern renditions seamlessly intertwined with the timeless story, creating a dynamic fusion of the past and the present.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre is testament to the enduring power of Shakespeare’s work, reimagined with creativity and executed with exceptional talent by the actor-musicians. This production was a true celebration of comedy, enchantment, and the communal experience of live theatre.
Runs until 27 August 2023