A Midsummer Night's Dream, Wilton's Music Hall - ★★★★ - Until February 15, 2020


It is not easy to catch the magic of Shakespeare's tale of mismatched lovers, but The Watermill Theatre does a lovely job. The use of some clever choreography and some catchy tunes, including "I Put A Spell On You" and "Blue Moon," set the mood perfectly for this frolic in the woods by moonlight. Emma Mcdonald does a fine job in her dual role as Titania/Hippolyta and Tom Sowinski was a solid Theseus. The lovers, Hermia (Lucy Keirl), Lysander (Billy Postlethwaite), Demetrius (Mike Slader) and Helena (Robyn Sinclair) were all excellent in creating and sustaining the manic energy and urgency that Shakespeare's comic romp requires. Jamie Satterthwaite was suitably sly and manipulative as Oberon who comes to rue his employment of Molly Chesworth's thoroughly engaging Puck. Victoria Blunt who stepped into the role of Bottom for an injured colleague does a simply outstanding job. She completely engages the audience with her confident, comic presence. The success of this work depends on exquisite timing, immersing the audience in the fun and never letting their minds wander to the essential silliness of this entertainment. Act I flew by and we were completely enthralled by it all. However, we did feel things slowed up a bit in Act II. Pyramus and Thisbe, the play-within-a-play, seemed to drag a bit and missed the high energy mark that had been set by the rest of the show. But, after all, it had been a rather wild night in those enchanted woods. This Midsummer Night's Dream will put a spell on you!

 Reviewed by J.C.

  Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until February 15, 2020
Tue - Sat: 7:30 pm, Sat: 2:30 pm
Wilton's Music Hall
Nearest station: Tower Hill
http://wiltons.org.uk/whatson/608-a-midsummer-night-s-dream
Map & Location: 1 Graces Alley, Whitechapel, London E1 8JB, UK

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