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.
