Writer: William Shakespeare
Andy Barrow and Elli Mackenzie’s Oddsocks are back on tour with their gloriously chaotic version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream and, as ever, it’s a riot of colour, cleverness, and classic Oddsocks madness. Combining funky music, slapstick brilliance and Shakespearean farce, this production is a real reminder of how inventive and accessible live theatre can be, in the glorious gardens of RHS Harlow Carr as part of the Harrogate Festival.
From the opening moments, the audience is plunged into a world of ridiculous wigs (think mullets and hair extensions), silly costumes, and modern pop-culture nods that make even the most hesitant Shakespearean feel right at home. Hermia is brilliantly reimagined as a character from The Only Way is Essex, complete full on Essex accent and mannerisms, with leopard print, a bright pink Stanley cup, and obligatory oversized black sunglasses and Rebecca Little (who will have heard the joke about her name and her diminutive stature many times before) plays this part to perfection. There is even ‘leg-ography’ in the show that she manages brilliantly, getting increasingly loud laughs from the audience whenever she managed her many quick, and always successful costume changes. It’s this kind of joyful irreverence that makes Oddsocks such a reliable company.
The strength of this production lies in the cast of five’s energy and commitment to the bit. Fantastically timed physical comedy from Barrow as both Bottom and Demetrius and Matthew Christmas as Lysander and Flute (a slightly grumpy Irish fairy) keeps the pace cracking throughout, with visual gags, pratfalls, and audience interactions landing effortlessly. Little works well as cheeky, impish Bristolian(!) Puck against Ian Archdeacon’s imposing Oberon. In the infamous Pyramus and Thisbe “tragedy” – the play within the play – the cast were very nearly upstaged by the Wall, played by an unsuspecting audience member sporting a bright blue plastic glove for hygiene (don’t ask!). Mackenzie (who also plays both Helena and Titania brilliantly) is Australian Nell Backhandle in this scene and has some perfectly timed interjections as the Director of the hapless Players (the equivalent of Shakespeare’s Mechanicals). It’s these unpredictable moments that remind you of the sheer joy of live theatre.
Since 1989, Oddsocks has been developing and running excellent touring theatre, and this latest production proves why they’ve remained a staple of the UK’s theatrical landscape. It’s silly, sharp and full of heart – perfect for both diehard fans of the Bard and newcomers who might normally run a mile from iambic pentameter.
If there’s a slight quibble, it’s that the plot’s magical elements can occasionally get a little lost in the manic energy – but frankly, it’s all part of the fun. The audience leaves beaming, and isn’t that the point?
Oddsocks’ A Midsummer Night’s Dream is an unapologetically wild ride from Athens, well from the A Taste of Athens restaurant in fact, through the forest – and one that’s well worth taking.
Runs until 2nd July 2025, before continuing on tour.
Reviewed as part of HACS Harrogate Music Festival.
