A Midsummer Night's Dream: A Magical Rock Opera?
The Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's production of Shakespeare's classic comedy is a bold and innovative take on the timeless tale, blending rock music, folk melodies, and contemporary theatre. It's a unique and captivating experience, but does it capture the essence of the original play?
The Rocking Fairies and Athenians
One of the most intriguing aspects of this production is the integration of rock music into the fairy realm. The fairy king, Oberon, and his queen, Titania, are portrayed as a cool four-piece band, complete with electric guitar, violin, and keyboard. This modern twist adds a layer of energy and excitement to the traditional fairy world, making it feel fresh and contemporary. The use of handheld mics for the fairies and Athenians during their musical numbers creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if the audience is part of the performance.
Sound Design and Set
Max Pappenheim's sound design is a masterpiece, seamlessly blending the sounds of nature with the music. The tweeting birds create a realistic forest atmosphere, enhancing the overall immersive experience. Naomi Dawson's set design is equally impressive, with open doors that transition from the artificial to the natural world. The banner, "This Green Plot," and the dressing rail in the backdrop add a touch of whimsy and charm to the production.
Modern Humor and Innovation
The production incorporates modern humor and innovation, particularly through the character of Bottom, who is portrayed as D/deaf and brings sign language and physical comedy to the stage. This modern twist on a classic character adds a layer of depth and humor to the play. However, some of the innovation feels borrowed from Jamie Lloyd's style, with the set's stairs and costumes resembling those in Lloyd's Evita.
Chemistry and Pacing
The chemistry between the royal couples, Theseus and Hippolyta, and Oberon and Titania, is a bit lacking. Their interactions feel unconvincing, and the double-up of the royal couples doesn't quite work. The pacing of the performance is also an issue, with the show feeling slightly less smooth in its conjoined stories. The mechanicals' play is too long and laboured, slowing down the overall pace of the production.
The Mechanicals' World
The world of the mechanicals brings great ticklish fun, with every character being endearing and entertaining. However, the pacing issue extends to their play, making it feel too long and laboured. The production's dreamy look and sound create a sense of enchantment, but the audience doesn't quite enter into its full magical world.
Conclusion: A Unique Take on a Classic
In conclusion, this production of A Midsummer Night's Dream is a bold and innovative take on the classic play, blending rock music, folk melodies, and contemporary theatre. While it has its strengths, such as the rocking fairies and immersive sound design, it also has its weaknesses, such as the unconvincing chemistry between the royal couples and the pacing issues. Overall, it's a unique and captivating experience that offers a fresh perspective on Shakespeare's timeless tale.
