Review: Midsummer Night's Dream

A Midsummer Night's Dream,
by William Shakespeare,
at the South Quad,
the Arts Centre,
Wednesday January 26, 8pm
Running time:2 hrs 50 mins.
Directed by Hallum and Clark
Reviewed by Michael O'Brien.

Hallum and Clark's A Midsummer Night's Dream" has all the wonder of dream and drama. It is a marvellous midsummer experience.

The South Quad at the Arts Centre is the perfect setting. The towering copper beech, which canopies the courtyard, transports the audience to the very heart of Oberon's wood. It is enhanced by David Thornley's sweeping, banking set, so apt for massive battles of the heart, protestations of undying love, and the farcical romps of foolish mortals.

In this world where "Quick bright things come to confusion" there is much to learn about love. Shakespeare's lyrical language delights and ripples with pithy truisms about dotage, duty, and the role of reason.

More magic is woven by Felicity Williams's evocative original music, Morag Brownlie's fantastical costumes, and a cast of some depth. Ralph Johnson is a commanding Oberon, and Sussana Hooper is expressive and graceful as his opposite, Titania. The lovers (Sarah Bohan, Judd Millner, Dan Towse, and Marlene Bukowski) are a well matched and energetic quartet. Mervyn Glue is an adequate Bottom, and the Mechanicals (John Howden, Simon Peacock, Adrian McNamara, Gary Fox, and Patrick Dowman) are a well-chosen, very funny group.

John Hudson is spellbinding as Puck and virtually hijacks the play. He is full-on, thoroughly physical, warmly sensual, and very much the beast. He takes the mischievous Puck one step further, imbuing him with a touch of the malevolent anarchist. He marries some inspired clowning, with feral rawness. It is a great performance.

Plaudits must come back to the directing team. Their total vision and inventive eye for detail to flesh out their dream has given us an exuberant, energetic and enchanting play.

It is boisterously funny, and not beyond the very youngest. My friend Jack, a three-year old, loved Eeyore, was captivated throughout, and gave it his highest recommendation.