A Midsummer Night's Dream
Mon, 10 Mar 2003, 01:42 amWalter Plinge6 posts in thread
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Mon, 10 Mar 2003, 01:42 amWHAT: A Midsummer Night's Dream
WHEN: Saturday, March 8 (2003)
WHERE: Roleystone Theatre, Roleystone (WA)
William Shakespeare dreamt of being remembered. He wanted to write and he wanted his plays to be a success. Unfortunately, several of his early works received a less than enthusiastic response.
Shakespeare made a bargain with the Lord of Dreams. In return for inspiration, Will agreed to write two plays celebrating dreams - one at the start of his career and one at the end. Morpheus had an additional reason for this bargain: although they had departed this world for their own, Morpheus did not want the Faerie folk to be forgotten. He ensured that, "King Auberon and Queen Titania will be remembered by mortals, until this age is gone."
Arguably the first of Shakespeare's 'truly great plays', A Midsummer Night's Dream also seems to be the favourite of many people. Maybe it's the novel and memorable characters - it is one of only two completely original plays of Will's, not based on historical events or other people's stories - or maybe it's the damn funny situations. Regardless, it is presented with great frequency (not as often as Cosi, but then, what is?) and people keep going to see it.
Roleystone Theatre's current production is minimalistic and stylish, dependent upon the characters we've all heard of to carry the tale. A very young cast (there seemed to be only three performers over the age of, say, thirty) but they delivered the text well.
Of the mischievously manipulated lovers, the girls fared best. Kim Wallace (Helena) nearly stole the show. The first to show any real emotion, rather than just deliver the lines, she deftly moved from sympathetic to just plain pathetic as she threw herself at the object of her desires. However, it quickly becomes hilarious once Puck's love potion works its magic. Incredibly physical, extraordinarily flexible, and hot? - even her shadow oozes sex appeal. A great comic (and erotic) performance.
Nicola Oxley played the sensible one (Hermia). We know this because she was wearing the biggest pants ever worn by anyone on stage ever. Even so, we still felt for her after she was rejected. Lysander (Scott Smythe) managed the physical stuff well, casually tossing around the two girls.
I tend to forget the mortals. When I think of The Dream, I think of Titania & Oberon, Puck & Bottom (okay, yes, Bottom is sort of mortal). Melissa Merchant (Titania) and Rory Cornelius (Oberon) exuded power and authority. Melissa must have a dancing background because she glides across the stage - very regal. Nice costumes and make-up too.
Speaking of oozing sex appeal, that was the sexiest hobgoblin I've ever seen. Director Paul Treasure obviously has a thing for putting Fiona Forster in black leather, and who am I to complain? Inspired indeed by Uma Thurman in The Avengers (and possibly Carrie-Anne Moss in The Matrix? Mmmm, Carrie-Anne Moss...), Fiona moved about the stage mischievously and lasciviously, delivering the play's finest lines with aplomb. It took a minute or so, but I soon realised (with much amusement) that she was carrying a tiny toy Eeyore early on....
Peter Carr was Bottom. Not quite as sexy as Fiona or Kim, he still allowed himself to be stripped down by four nubile nymphets, and who was he to complain? A nice subdued performance from Pear, and if you're wondering how Bottom can be subdued, then you don't know Pear. He recovered his dignity (somewhat) in the final scene and it was nice to see genuine emotion when he caught up with his compatriots.
While we're on the subject, the final scene didn't really work for me. It seemed a huge anticlimax after the enjoyable forest scenes. The reunited travelling players have the opportunity to cap the production with a manic performance in the court of Theseus, but it seemed a bit forced and flat. It also seemed a pity that the loudest audience laughter arose when one of the players told another to "Piss off." Paul, what did Neil write? "It would also make them laugh if you broke wind loudly, Kemp. Please, just the lines and jests I have writ for you." Purely my opinion, but if the final scene could be tightened and sped up, it would finish the production nicely.
The above-mentioned performers delivered the dialogue to make Will himself proud, but some of the younger (and even older) performers struggled a bit. Demetrius was practically inaudible. Theseus was very faint, but I learnt afterwards that he had laryngitis, in which case well done! Get well soon, and then you won't have to fake the kiss with Hippolyta. (And I agree, Paul, Theseus ran off with Antiope, Hercules hooked Hippolyta.)
I mentioned the effective, minimalist set, accomplished by flying in appropriate pieces, accompanied by very effective mood lighting. There was a lovely, unobtrusive soundtrack running through much of the show - never competing with the actors, but adding subtle evocations. Very nice programme, too.
That's about it ("Thank God", you cry). Kim and Fiona tried to steal the show, but Kane actually did. Cryptic? Then you'd better go see for yourselves.
JB
WHEN: Saturday, March 8 (2003)
WHERE: Roleystone Theatre, Roleystone (WA)
William Shakespeare dreamt of being remembered. He wanted to write and he wanted his plays to be a success. Unfortunately, several of his early works received a less than enthusiastic response.
Shakespeare made a bargain with the Lord of Dreams. In return for inspiration, Will agreed to write two plays celebrating dreams - one at the start of his career and one at the end. Morpheus had an additional reason for this bargain: although they had departed this world for their own, Morpheus did not want the Faerie folk to be forgotten. He ensured that, "King Auberon and Queen Titania will be remembered by mortals, until this age is gone."
Arguably the first of Shakespeare's 'truly great plays', A Midsummer Night's Dream also seems to be the favourite of many people. Maybe it's the novel and memorable characters - it is one of only two completely original plays of Will's, not based on historical events or other people's stories - or maybe it's the damn funny situations. Regardless, it is presented with great frequency (not as often as Cosi, but then, what is?) and people keep going to see it.
Roleystone Theatre's current production is minimalistic and stylish, dependent upon the characters we've all heard of to carry the tale. A very young cast (there seemed to be only three performers over the age of, say, thirty) but they delivered the text well.
Of the mischievously manipulated lovers, the girls fared best. Kim Wallace (Helena) nearly stole the show. The first to show any real emotion, rather than just deliver the lines, she deftly moved from sympathetic to just plain pathetic as she threw herself at the object of her desires. However, it quickly becomes hilarious once Puck's love potion works its magic. Incredibly physical, extraordinarily flexible, and hot? - even her shadow oozes sex appeal. A great comic (and erotic) performance.
Nicola Oxley played the sensible one (Hermia). We know this because she was wearing the biggest pants ever worn by anyone on stage ever. Even so, we still felt for her after she was rejected. Lysander (Scott Smythe) managed the physical stuff well, casually tossing around the two girls.
I tend to forget the mortals. When I think of The Dream, I think of Titania & Oberon, Puck & Bottom (okay, yes, Bottom is sort of mortal). Melissa Merchant (Titania) and Rory Cornelius (Oberon) exuded power and authority. Melissa must have a dancing background because she glides across the stage - very regal. Nice costumes and make-up too.
Speaking of oozing sex appeal, that was the sexiest hobgoblin I've ever seen. Director Paul Treasure obviously has a thing for putting Fiona Forster in black leather, and who am I to complain? Inspired indeed by Uma Thurman in The Avengers (and possibly Carrie-Anne Moss in The Matrix? Mmmm, Carrie-Anne Moss...), Fiona moved about the stage mischievously and lasciviously, delivering the play's finest lines with aplomb. It took a minute or so, but I soon realised (with much amusement) that she was carrying a tiny toy Eeyore early on....
Peter Carr was Bottom. Not quite as sexy as Fiona or Kim, he still allowed himself to be stripped down by four nubile nymphets, and who was he to complain? A nice subdued performance from Pear, and if you're wondering how Bottom can be subdued, then you don't know Pear. He recovered his dignity (somewhat) in the final scene and it was nice to see genuine emotion when he caught up with his compatriots.
While we're on the subject, the final scene didn't really work for me. It seemed a huge anticlimax after the enjoyable forest scenes. The reunited travelling players have the opportunity to cap the production with a manic performance in the court of Theseus, but it seemed a bit forced and flat. It also seemed a pity that the loudest audience laughter arose when one of the players told another to "Piss off." Paul, what did Neil write? "It would also make them laugh if you broke wind loudly, Kemp. Please, just the lines and jests I have writ for you." Purely my opinion, but if the final scene could be tightened and sped up, it would finish the production nicely.
The above-mentioned performers delivered the dialogue to make Will himself proud, but some of the younger (and even older) performers struggled a bit. Demetrius was practically inaudible. Theseus was very faint, but I learnt afterwards that he had laryngitis, in which case well done! Get well soon, and then you won't have to fake the kiss with Hippolyta. (And I agree, Paul, Theseus ran off with Antiope, Hercules hooked Hippolyta.)
I mentioned the effective, minimalist set, accomplished by flying in appropriate pieces, accompanied by very effective mood lighting. There was a lovely, unobtrusive soundtrack running through much of the show - never competing with the actors, but adding subtle evocations. Very nice programme, too.
That's about it ("Thank God", you cry). Kim and Fiona tried to steal the show, but Kane actually did. Cryptic? Then you'd better go see for yourselves.
JB
Re: A Midsummer Night's Dream
Mon, 10 Mar 2003, 12:45 pmWalter Plinge
A response to the review by Dr Jarrod Buttery of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' currently playing at Roleystone Theatre (12, 14 & 15 March, bookings 9490 1410) by the Director of said show, Mr Paul Treasure:
Before I start this dialogue with Dr Buttery, I think one of us should explain. Jarrod and I both share a love for the works of one Neil Gaiman, especially his epic comic book series "Sandman".
One of the issues of this comic (I will let Jarrod adopt his best 'Comic Store Guy' voice and advise you of which issue it was) deals with Shakespeare and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. The issue was so well received it was awarded the Hugo Award (Jarrod, it was a Hugo wasn't it?) for Best Science Fiction / Fantasy Short Story. It is in fact the only comic that will EVER win the award, as they changed the criteria the next year...
Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa, Jarrod!
The one source I didn't go back to in my research was Neil...
"Paul, what did Neil write? 'It would also make them laugh if you broke wind loudly, Kemp. Please, just the lines and jests I have writ for you.' "
Fistly, I don't think our esteemed president (cue sound effect: All Hail the Chief) will mind at all being compared with Kemp.
Secondly, no one broke wind loudly! Belched loudly I grant you, but broke wind, no.
"A very young cast (there seemed to be only three performers over the age of, say, thirty)..."
Jarrod, I know certain members of my cast who will love you forever for this comment alone!
"Nicola Oxley played the sensible one (Hermia). We know this because she was wearing the biggest pants ever worn by anyone on stage ever."
Point One: Yes, I must admit, Ms Oxley is far too 'almost married' to be indulging in Bridget Jones like behaviour.
Point Two: As the only one of the lovers in a skirt, Nicola felt that it was appropriate for her to wear 'sensible' underwear, especially with all the rolling around on the floor and the fact that the Stage Manager is the only person allowed to look up her skirt, ever!
"Director Paul Treasure obviously has a thing for putting Fiona Forster in black leather, and who am I to complain?"
I do it just for you Jarrod, and not just leather. Remember 'La Ronde' and the white lacy lingerie?
Well, actually, I do it for Fiona as well...
"Inspired indeed by Uma Thurman in The Avengers (and possibly Carrie-Anne Moss in The Matrix? Mmmm, Carrie-Anne Moss...)"
And also Liz Hurley in "Bedazzled"...
Well actually (and this may show way too much of how my brain operates) the inspiration was Nigella Lawson.
We need Fi to look sexy. Who's the sexiest woman I can think of? Nigella Lawson. What is Nigella Lawson like? A Liz Hurley who can cook. Liz Hurley was in bedazzled (with Brendan Fraser ;-) )... and so on...
"A nice subdued performance from Pear, and if you're wondering how Bottom can be subdued, then you don't know Pear."
Actually, should that statement be: 'If you don't know how Pear can be subdued..." (Sorry, Pear!)
"Theseus was very faint, but I learnt afterwards that he had laryngitis, in which case well done!"
There was even talk amongst the cast that a certain Director may have had to go on in his place on Saturday night. Although none of the cast told a certain director that until after the actor showed up, looking, well, at least alive!
Many, many congratulations and thank yous Paul on managing to go on considering how poorly you have been feeling in the last few days. Get well soon, my friend!
"And I agree, Paul, Theseus ran off with Antiope, Hercules hooked Hippolyta."
Then again, Hercules 'hooked' anything in a skirt. And in Ancient Greece EVERYONE wore skirts...
"I mentioned the effective, minimalist set, accomplished by flying in appropriate pieces, accompanied by very effective mood lighting. There was a lovely, unobtrusive soundtrack running through much of the show - never competing with the actors, but adding subtle evocations. Very nice programme, too.
Big thank yous to the rest of the Stooges (Stephen, Pear, Gobby, Rod, Daniel, Hayley) for managing to get my idea for the set actually onto the stage.
Thank you to Nic and Rachel for the lights, brilliant as always.
Thank you to Kim, Mel, Nick, Troy and everyone else who helped on the programme.
(Is it too conceited if I thank myself for the soundtrack?)
"Kim and Fiona tried to steal the show, but Kane actually did. Cryptic? Then you'd better go see for yourselves."
Would you believe that he was actually the easiest cast member to deal with?
Thank you Dr Buttery for a well written, fair and constructive review.
If this is the standard which we can expect from you as a reviewer (and from past history I know it is) you are a welcome and well needed correspondent to this website, and many of those who post here would do well to take a leaf from your book.
Paul Treasure
Director of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
Now playing at Roleystone Theatre
Before I start this dialogue with Dr Buttery, I think one of us should explain. Jarrod and I both share a love for the works of one Neil Gaiman, especially his epic comic book series "Sandman".
One of the issues of this comic (I will let Jarrod adopt his best 'Comic Store Guy' voice and advise you of which issue it was) deals with Shakespeare and 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'. The issue was so well received it was awarded the Hugo Award (Jarrod, it was a Hugo wasn't it?) for Best Science Fiction / Fantasy Short Story. It is in fact the only comic that will EVER win the award, as they changed the criteria the next year...
Mea Culpa, Mea Maxima Culpa, Jarrod!
The one source I didn't go back to in my research was Neil...
"Paul, what did Neil write? 'It would also make them laugh if you broke wind loudly, Kemp. Please, just the lines and jests I have writ for you.' "
Fistly, I don't think our esteemed president (cue sound effect: All Hail the Chief) will mind at all being compared with Kemp.
Secondly, no one broke wind loudly! Belched loudly I grant you, but broke wind, no.
"A very young cast (there seemed to be only three performers over the age of, say, thirty)..."
Jarrod, I know certain members of my cast who will love you forever for this comment alone!
"Nicola Oxley played the sensible one (Hermia). We know this because she was wearing the biggest pants ever worn by anyone on stage ever."
Point One: Yes, I must admit, Ms Oxley is far too 'almost married' to be indulging in Bridget Jones like behaviour.
Point Two: As the only one of the lovers in a skirt, Nicola felt that it was appropriate for her to wear 'sensible' underwear, especially with all the rolling around on the floor and the fact that the Stage Manager is the only person allowed to look up her skirt, ever!
"Director Paul Treasure obviously has a thing for putting Fiona Forster in black leather, and who am I to complain?"
I do it just for you Jarrod, and not just leather. Remember 'La Ronde' and the white lacy lingerie?
Well, actually, I do it for Fiona as well...
"Inspired indeed by Uma Thurman in The Avengers (and possibly Carrie-Anne Moss in The Matrix? Mmmm, Carrie-Anne Moss...)"
And also Liz Hurley in "Bedazzled"...
Well actually (and this may show way too much of how my brain operates) the inspiration was Nigella Lawson.
We need Fi to look sexy. Who's the sexiest woman I can think of? Nigella Lawson. What is Nigella Lawson like? A Liz Hurley who can cook. Liz Hurley was in bedazzled (with Brendan Fraser ;-) )... and so on...
"A nice subdued performance from Pear, and if you're wondering how Bottom can be subdued, then you don't know Pear."
Actually, should that statement be: 'If you don't know how Pear can be subdued..." (Sorry, Pear!)
"Theseus was very faint, but I learnt afterwards that he had laryngitis, in which case well done!"
There was even talk amongst the cast that a certain Director may have had to go on in his place on Saturday night. Although none of the cast told a certain director that until after the actor showed up, looking, well, at least alive!
Many, many congratulations and thank yous Paul on managing to go on considering how poorly you have been feeling in the last few days. Get well soon, my friend!
"And I agree, Paul, Theseus ran off with Antiope, Hercules hooked Hippolyta."
Then again, Hercules 'hooked' anything in a skirt. And in Ancient Greece EVERYONE wore skirts...
"I mentioned the effective, minimalist set, accomplished by flying in appropriate pieces, accompanied by very effective mood lighting. There was a lovely, unobtrusive soundtrack running through much of the show - never competing with the actors, but adding subtle evocations. Very nice programme, too.
Big thank yous to the rest of the Stooges (Stephen, Pear, Gobby, Rod, Daniel, Hayley) for managing to get my idea for the set actually onto the stage.
Thank you to Nic and Rachel for the lights, brilliant as always.
Thank you to Kim, Mel, Nick, Troy and everyone else who helped on the programme.
(Is it too conceited if I thank myself for the soundtrack?)
"Kim and Fiona tried to steal the show, but Kane actually did. Cryptic? Then you'd better go see for yourselves."
Would you believe that he was actually the easiest cast member to deal with?
Thank you Dr Buttery for a well written, fair and constructive review.
If this is the standard which we can expect from you as a reviewer (and from past history I know it is) you are a welcome and well needed correspondent to this website, and many of those who post here would do well to take a leaf from your book.
Paul Treasure
Director of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'
Now playing at Roleystone Theatre