Written by: Adam Jay (@AdamJBJay)
Lion and Unicorn Theatre, London
****
One
of the most often performed and well known of Shakespeare's plays is given a
surprisingly fresh and fantastic new twist by Grassroots Shakespeare London, a
company that pride themselves on keeping The Bard alive. An incredible evening
spent watching one of the most humorous performances of a modernised version of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
The
Lion and Unicorn is a gorgeous little pub situated in Kentish Town, offering a quaint
theatre above that has gained a reputation for fringe theatre in the recent
years. Although an already small space, the company chose to stage the entire
play in front of the curtains, ultimately removing any sense of the fourth wall
from the off. The simple set of crates served them perfectly as use for all
purposes, as well as to hide extra lighting within.Photo: Grassroots Shakespeare London |
The
modernisation was done very cleverly – Titania's fairies were male, dressed as
personal bodyguards, checking the space was clear before their Queen could
enter. Titania herself, played by Grassroots founder Siobhan Daly, dressed in a
white fur coat and dress, a diva-like apparel. However the costumes of Oberon
and Puck confused me a little; Oberon wore a tweed jacket and cravat,
resembling an early 20th century man, whereas Puck wore typically
flowing green material but with a t-shirt and a beanie. Visually it was quite
effective, and it did not hinder the performance in any way, I just wasn't sure
of the time period they were trying to relate to, if any.
Although
the company do not cast based on gender, possibly the best and most hilarious
choice made was that to cast Helena as a man, (as it would have been done in
Elizabethan times) but keeping Hermia female. Adam Blampeid as Helena was
sensational; it is easy to exaggerate being a woman so much that an audience is
just laughing at the parody, rather than the situation. Blampeid was able to
utilise the contrast of his masculine form and his actions to create the
majority of the laughter during the two hours. Nothing is funnier than when two
men fall for the guy in the dress.
Photo: Grassroots Shakespeare London |
Other
treasures in the performance include Benjamin Bonar's incredible socially
awkward take on Peter Quince, Ciaran Cunningham's highly adept lighting skills,
and the play within a play of 'Pyramus and Thisbe' being wonderfully dreadful. Hilarious,
intimate and full of fresh talent; this company is definitely one to watch.
This production runs until 5 January 2013.
For more information: http://www.giantolive.com/amidsummernightsdream.html
@GiantOlive @GrassrootsLON
1 comment:
Check next Midsummer Event UK
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