|
|
|
|
|
Pocket Dream
Belgrade Theatre
***** PROPELLER’S Pocket series continues with
The Dream, an extremely enjoyable, hour-long, condensed version of
Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream; not condensed for laughs but as
an introduction to the play for new audiences. Propeller’s stock in trade is using only male
actors as was usual when Shakespeare was writing. Only six actors cover
all the parts and the script cuts chiefly cover the early and quite
confusing part of the lovers in the forest. As Puck (Tam Williams) who
narrates (and also plays trombone!) this section enquires, “Confused?
You soon will be!”. Deep in the forest, three distinct sets of
characters supply the plot – the fairies, the lovers and the
‘mechanicals’. The fairies’ King and Queen Oberon (Chris Myles) and
Titania (Max Hutchinson) are at loggerheads over her new changeling baby
which Oberon wants for himself. Oberon’s imp Puck is detailed to make
her fall in love with the most unsuitable animal in the forest – and he
has changed Bottom the weaver (also Chris Myles) into a donkey. I loved
‘Little Donkey’ on glockenspiel (particularly as not-so-little ‘hung
like a donkey’ is supposed to pop into your mind!), loved the close
harmony fairies’ chorus, loved the ‘junk’ instruments supplying the
mysterious and scary noises in the forest, Four lovers – though not as tidy as it sounds –
have either eloped or followed each other. Puck is detailed to sort out
the mess with some magic potions - but makes things worse by mistaking
one lover for another. I loved the resulting fight between Helena (Max
Hutchinson again) and Hermia (Matthew McPherson). A team of ‘mechanicals’ is rehearsing Pyramus and
Thisbe, a tragic love story. This play-within-a-play is a riot. Chris
Myles is Bottom the weaver playing Pyramus. Quince the carpenter
(Anthony Jardine) ‘organises’ though Thisbe (Tam Williams) is no lady
and fells the lion (Oliver Wilson), mocks Moonshine who sulks , and
storms off in a rage. Propeller, again and again, surprise and delight.
It’s take on Shakespeare is always unique, inventive, energetic and
accurate, with no concessions to ‘dumbing down’. Earlier generations had
Charles and Mary Lamb to bring the glory of Shakespeare to new audiences
, this generation has Propeller. And all power to their collective
elbow! Directed by Edward Hall, The Dream continues to 06-02-16 Jane Howard
04-06-16
|
|
|
|
