A Midsummer Night's Dream

What; Deckchair's A Midsummer Nights Dream
Where; The Botanical Gardens, Kings Park, Perth
When; Wednesday 7th Jan 2004

I am a little surprised that no-one has previously reviewed this show. IIt's been on for ages and still has a week or two to go I think. The crowd on the night I went were large and enthusiastic and I'm sure I saw a few familiar Am-Dram faces about.

First of all, the setting was beautiful. A warm Perth summer evening, the sun setting, the lights of the city twinkling through the trees as the kookaburras giggled away. I think the show could have been utter crap and I still would have enjoyed the night.

The show however, was not utter crap. It was, as I had already heard tell in the West (and in keeping with the political climate of the times), a "sexed up" version of the old tale. Being a bit of a Shakers snob me-self, I thought in places the interpretation was a little broad. Perhaps about five or six knob jokes over my usual limit. To say it was Shakespeare for the peanut gallery would detract from the actors and director obvious and profound grasp of the text, but it certainly had a larger audience in mind than just the traditionalists (all four of us).

There was also something a little jarring about the difference between the fairy community costuming (post-modernist dominatrix, with a hint of circus clown) and the airy and traditional white dress of the Athenian folk and the modern "Kath and Kim chic" of the players. All sets of costumes were fitting and well done, but so very different from each other. Perhaps if the Athenian costumes had been a little more modern we would have all been at least in the same era?? Just my uneducated opinion.

My opinion on the costumes also extends to the music. It was great and quite fitting for the various parts of the play it was used. The Act 2 enterence of Oberon to the strains of Mr Mercury was just killer. But it was a bit all over the place. No real theme, just "hey this is a great song, and it fits here, lets use it!" which is valid. If one artist or one era or one genre of music had been picked, the whole thing would have just seemed to my anally retentive mind a bit more cohesive. I think Queen could have been used the whole way through to great effect. I'd like to hear what the musos who frequent this site think. El?

That haveing been said the show looked and sounded great, stylish and sexy. There is just something about a man in leather pants (or a lady in suspenders and knee boots you are that way iclined. Very glad I didn't attend with Dr J, I'm sure he would have made some sort of dash for the stage. Note to Deckcair, if a party by the name of "Buttery" books, put on extra security).

The performances were also great. So energetic and just looking like they were haveing a marvelous time. They were engaging and clear and very very funny. I don't really have the time or room to pick out everyone but Helena and Demetrius were just lovely, and would someone lock up that Luke Hewitt before the sheer enormity of his talent escapes and terrorises down-town Tokyo. The first rehearsal scene of the "play" had me and most of the rest of the audience in fits. Special mention I feel must be made of the lion. Rowr.

If you have always wanted to like Shakespeare but had trouble undertstanding what was going on, start with this show. It is easy to follow, hilariously funny, very sexy and stylish with nerey a dodgy performance to let it down. I really eally enjoyed it and it would need a much longer review to properly do it justice.

Leah