A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Barbican Theatre Review
Written by Philip for Theatre and Tonic
After a smash hit run in Stratford-Upon-Avon, the RSC’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream transfers to the Barbican for a limited time just in time for Christmas and the dreaded January blues that follow, and It is the perfect choice. This charming, whimsical comedy transports the audience to a world of magic, light and life.
Set in Athens, our tale follows two couples of young lovers, the marriage of a Duke, a group of workers putting on a play for the marriage of said Duke and some mischievous fairies to boot. Chaos and much hilarity ensue. With so much going on you could quite easily get confused but not with this production. Eleanor Rhode’s version of this often performed play is fresh and vibrant. Rhode finds every ounce of comedy in Shakespeare’s text and layers it with physical comedy and the occasional modern reference just to bring it further into the present. Lucy Osbourne leans into the magic in the play with her set design, creating a forestry type feel for the most part, giving a light and airy quality to an otherwise rather bare stage. With the aid of Matt Daw’s lighting, you almost felt connected with the fairy realm. To add to an air of mischief and trickery, illusions created by John Bulleid were used to great effect. Fairies appear and disappear, being caught between a pair of fingers and being transported around the space. It was a real treat to witness how illusion is impacted so rightfully by the lighting. The two working in tandem was spellbinding. Each element whether it be music or lighting or costume or direction really added value to the storytelling. Each a little cog in a much greater fantastical machine.
When you have a hilarious Shakespeare script and such a glorious collection of creatives it would be hard to go wrong. The only element missing then is the cast and they were nothing short of spectacular. The big casting here is Matthew Baynton of Horrible Histories and Ghosts fame and what a talent he is. He is so warm and full of life. You are naturally drawn to him. His character Bottom is hubristic and silly but very likeable. Surrounded by an equally silly and likeable troupe in the mechanicals. They each come into their own in the ‘play within a play’ section by giving such madcap performances that you just can’t help but laugh.
Our lovers, Hermia and Lysander and Helena and Demetrius were played brilliantly by Dawn Sievewright, Ryan Hutton, Boadicea Ricketts and Nicholas Armfield respectively. Sievewright and Ricketts both showed as much emotion and vulnerability as Hermia and Helena. Each wanted to be loved desperately. It was this desperation that brought added hilarity. Hutton’s Lysander and Armfield’s Demetrius are brilliant. They play the truth of any situation they are in. Watching them be truly affected by a love potion was a sight to behold. The foursome also engages in hilarious physical comedy which is a pure joy to witness. Our fairy King and Queen, Oberon and Titania also play the roles of Theseus, the Duke and his bride-to-be Hippolyta. Andrew Richardson is wonderful as Oberon. He is such a huge character that is in control of everything in his realm which is a complete juxtaposition to Richardson’s portrayal of Theseus who is awkward and has to be advised. In the same vein, Sirine Saba is over the top as Titania especially when in her scenes with Bayton as Bottom. You can actively see how the love potion has affected her. This is in stark contract to the deadpan Hippolyta. It was interesting to see these two fantastic actors take on such starkly different roles. They handled the task effortlessly. Puck is the real trickster of the play. He has a heart of gold but loves a bit of mayhem. Katherine Pearce is simply wonderful as Puck. Finding comedy is every moment. Being a guide for the audience. Making them feel involved and having them in the palm of her hand.
When you look at this production as a whole it is not hard to see why it had such rave reviews in Stratford. It is slick, smart and has a whole heap of heart. If you are in London over the holidays or into January, this is definitely one to see.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is playing at the Barbican Theatre until 18th January 2025. Tickets can be purchased on the London Box Office website from £30.
★★★★
