One of the problems that teachers face on a regular basis is continuing to produce a high standard of performance, be it in sport or the arts, with an ever changing supply of talent. It is quite clear that for the KEQMS production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Director Neil Walker has again managed to produce an excellent play, having carefully assessed the ability of his performers and cast them accordingly. The critique, by Toby Stirling of the opening night, explains all.
Who says Shakespeare is too difficult for schools? Every member of the 30 strong cast of Director Neil Walker's clear-sighted and concise production understands and lives every word they speak.
A minimalist set and effective lighting enables the production to take just two hours, yet the cast seem to revel in Shakespeare's language. No dumbing down here.
Peter Mackay as Oberon and Sarah Lenney as Titania are clearly from the world of the fairies, with Peter's beautifully-spoken verse complementing Sarah's smouldering tones as she is becomes enamoured by the Ass.
The lithe and light-limbed Lizzie Barrow as a knowing Puck is exactly right, linking reality with the magical world, always there but not quite there.
Max Sworder's stage debut as Bottom is richly comical, both physically and vocally, with Tim Withers, Ross Stevenson and Jake Begley leading a group of excellent Mechanicals. Their deliberately ridiculous and over-the-top performance of the Pyramus and Thisbe play-within-a-play brought the evening to a splendid close.
Rose Baulk's fiery Hermia and Henry Cox's accomplished Lysander ensure that the audience's attention is held during the scenes involving the feuding love couples.
The costumes, sound and singers all contribute significantly to this intelligent production which deserves a bigger audience.
Toby Stirling
