Bell Shakespeare’s The Dream

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is perhaps the most frequently performed of Shakespeare’s plays, but Bell Shakespeare’s The Dream, directed by Peter Evans, proves that something fresh can still be wrought from the beloved classic comedy. This 90-minute production is a condensed and rearranged version of Shakespeare’s text, but retains all of the original charm and humour. It has the same enthralling balance of comedy and drama and all our favourite scenes are still there – the four-way lover’s spat is very funny, perfectly staged – but the shortened form drives the action at a frenetic pace with plenty of sharp slapstick along the way, emphasising the farcical qualities of the play. The simple yet striking set feeds this frantic energy as actors leap through gaps in an imposing wooden façade and fling furniture across the stage. It may sound chaotic, but the actors move and speak with such power and precision that the audience never feels overwhelmed or left behind. Particularly good is the commanding tone of Ray Chong Nee as Oberon and Theseus, and his hilariously delicate Thisbe. Richard Piper is superb as Bottom, and I echo Evans’ sentiments from his opening night address when I say that it is unbelievable that Julie Forsyth has never before been cast as Puck – her portrayal of the mischievous fairy is wonderfully endearing.

Bell Shakespeare’s The Dream, Arts Centre and Playhouse to 4 Oct