A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Noël Coward Theatre
Reviewed on Thursday 3rd October 2013
Lysander loves Hermia and Hermia loves Lysander. Helena loves Demetrius, Demetrius used to love Helena but now loves Hermia… yes it’s safe to say that we are all familiar with the story of Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream; London has seen countless productions over the years. However, this production, which is the latest play in Michael Grandage’s West End season at the Noël Coward Theatre, is certainly one of my favourites.
The new interpretation is very sexy and musically driven in places while certain sections have been cut, resulting in a speedy running time of two hours and twenty minutes. While this may disappoint traditionalists, it makes this incredible production perfect for Shakespeare newbies as the pace rarely slows.
Michael Grandage’s star-studded season has so far seen the likes of Daniel Radcliffe, Judi Dench, Ben Whishaw and Simon Russell Beale take to the stage, and for A Midsummer Night’s Dream the Queen of the West End, Sheridan Smith (who I have often described as the walking definition of the world versatile) has returned to her throne in another completely different role. It is interesting to see the star take on Titania, having previously played Hermia at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Needless to say Sheridan’s portrayal cannot be faulted, even when she lay still on a platform throughout a couple of scenes I couldn’t take my eyes off her. She is a performer who puts her all into every aspect of her performance, there really is nothing she cannot do.
Of course the other big name in the cast is David Walliams. Unlike other reviewers and Tweeters, I have decided not to joke about David Walliams’ camp and attention seeking Bottom. I must admit that David Walliams and Shakespeare are not two words I thought I would ever find myself writing in the same sentence, but his casting is utter genius. David excels in the role, using a version of the flamboyant, camp character he has become known for playing. His casting is also fantastic as he is attracting lots of theatre-goers who otherwise probably wouldn't choose to see a Shakespeare play, something which is very important.
The second act is stolen by Susannah Fielding (Hermia), Katherine Kingsley (Helena), Stefano Braschi (Demetrius) and Sam Swainsbury (Lysander). Scenes become so fast paced that I began to feel exhausted as I watched the action unfold. Katherine Kingsley and Stefano Braschi particularly stand out, both giving stellar performances.
Michael Grandage has done an excellent job at reinventing a play which has been produced an unthinkable number of times. I became so transfixed and drawn into this production that I simply didn’t want it to end. I cannot describe to you how hypnotically magical the show is. For a high quality, classy, amusing evening at the theatre, look no further than this world class production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com
A Midsummer Night's Dream runs at the Noël Coward Theatre until 15th November 2013.
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