Creation Theatre is back, doing what it does best – bringing Shakespeare vividly to life in the glorious surroundings of Oxford’s Wolfson College where A Midsummer Night’s Dream unfolds with a wonderful, funny, uplifting production, perfect for the whole family. READ ABOUT IT HERE
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is of course a classic, a comedic gem of interconnecting plots, and in true Creation style arriving audiences were greeted by a village fete style set up, games littering the sports ground full of children trying their luck as picnickers dined in the sunshine.
Multi-generational families made up the majority of the audience, arriving well prepared in waterproofs in case of rain showers, others booking the picnic rug tickets in the all weather tent, the buzz building, revving up for the main event.
And then two of the picnickers arise and the play begins, as we descend into the forest with them where the fun pans out; the lovers bewitched, Puck carrying out the dirty work for her master Oberon, Titania falling in love with an ass, and much hilarity ensuing.
The Mechanicals, a ramshackle group of actors who hastily cobble together the play Pyramus and Thisbe for the upcoming marriage of Theseus and Hippolyta only add to the chaos, as the mischievous group of fairies create havoc.
As for the multi-roled cast, they were superb, all six bringing something unique to the party. Take Andy Owens – aka Lysander – who, once spellbound, takes on an hilarious Lord Flashheart style demeanour which had us all in stitches. Neil Urquhart‘s depiction of Flute in Pyramus and Thisbe was similarly side-splitting, while Rachael Adeyoluwa‘s Helena was beautifully and indignantly portrayed.
Lydia-May Cooney was impish as Puck as she cycled around Wolfson’s cricket pitch tirelessly and Ben Elder’s ass Bottom had to be seen to be believed. Creation favourite Hayley Murray was also brilliant as Mechanicals director Peter Quince and Hermia.
Throw in the quintet’s musical abilities and they were a force to be reckoned with, carrying us along on a tide of exhilaration and musicality.
Fully entranced we all howled with laughter, children giggling throughout, but while A Midsummer Night’s Dream is wonderfully family-friendly, it isn’t dumbed down. It’s the physicality and humour that makes it so appealing to the younger generation as we all sang along, clapped and chanted our way through.
So bravo to Creation for bringing something so life affirming, accessible, captivating and hilarious to Oxford this summer, in what turned out to be a thoroughly entertaining afternoon. A family-friendly triumph!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream plays at Wolfson College until August 16. Plus an additional date at The Earth Trust, Little Wittenham, Abingdon on July 30. Book here https://bit.ly/40j3XVv
