Story by Michelle Cook
Performed by Mixmatch Productions, in association with Norton College, presented by Green City Action, Theatre in the Park on Saturday 3rd June.
We gathered in Abbeyfield Park in the summer sunshine to watch a performance of the much-loved play of summer magic and madness. Picnics were spread and glasses of wine filled, and children giggled with anticipation at this family event.
We were taken into the court of Duke Theseus in ancient Athens. The clever military theme was a refreshing modern touch. Marc Whalley did a powerful portrayal of the Duke, whilst Addie Richardson played equally powerfully against him as Agea, mother of Hermia, a brave detour from the original male casting, but effective.
Titania, proud Queen of the fairies, was brilliantly portrayed by Gill Langley, playing against Marc Whalley, who was doubling as the wonderfully arrogant Oberon, King of the fairies. Full use was made of the trees in the park, with delightful post-apocalyptic fairies abounding, and this – coupled with misty smoke, and ethereal music mixed with deep rock beats – created a magical atmosphere.
The star of the show was undoubtedly ‘Nick’ Bottom, played by Lee Fisher. He had the audience roaring with laughter with his bold injections of Northern humour, very much in the style of Vic Reeves, plus contemporary phrases like ‘I’ve gotta go’ and ‘Deal or no deal’s on’.
A fantastic performance by Kim Scopes as the cheeky goblin Puck, another female casting, with excellent use of movement and dance by Kim, gave a real feel of being in the presence of something not quite earthly.
We had a good laugh at the starchy, overbearing Miss Quince, played by Kate Burns, another successful female casting in a contemporary theme, and she led her band of misfit actors with such telling exasperation! The lovers Hermia (Joelle Sellars), Lysander (John Kubon), Demetrius (Glen Scholey), and Helena (Steph White) all played well, making full use of the space for chase and fight scenes.
This was natural theatre, and as the light faded, fairy lights twinkled in the trees and the audience was left feeling that they may really have stumbled into a midsummer dream as a little magic was brought into Burngreave.