A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Review by Sam
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Nicholas Hytner's immersive production of the Shakespearean comedy returns to The Bridge Theatre for another voyage into the moonlit forest.
The critically acclaimed 2019 production makes a welcome return for a limited run, inviting audiences back into the dream world of fairies, fog and mischief through standing and seated ticket options. Both theatrical experiences transport you into a highly stylised and creatively intuitive version of this classic story, with the entire production setting a high bar for what modern adaptations can achieve when handled by the right creative team.
Hytner directs a gorgeously rich landscape of immersion as audience members do more than surround the staging but become part of it. Arlene Phillips returns as movement director, once again showcasing her immense precision of being able to stage a production in the round with crowd involvement. She also offers her signature highly stylized choreography throughout, with dance numbers and aerial acrobatics simply adding to the immersive experience of the production. With flower crowns being handed out to audiences upon arrival, the entire theatrical space transports you into the depths of the forest from beginning to end, as Bunny Christie's set design leaves you enchanted long into the night.
The entire company is an utter delight to behold, with the ensemble ensuring that the hilarity and mystical nature of the production is dialled up to its max. Emmanuel Akwafo excels as Bottom, jumping ears first into the chaotic narrative and injecting side-splittingly modernised humour with overwhelming success. David Moorst returns to the role of Puck/Philostrate, once again demonstrating his acrobatic prowess along with equally precise comic timing. Both performers naturally received the loudest reception from the crowd in what can only be described as scene stealing performances.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a joyous and hilarious celebration of one of Shakespeare’s most famous texts, brought to life with a genius and entertaining creative flair that oozes originality from every avenue.