Performed at Iris Theatre’s Summer Festival at the Actors’ Church in the heart of Covent Garden, the production of Midsummer Night’s Dream opened on 5th July, with previews from 29 June, and runs until 13 August.
Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream which first premiered 1 January 1605 is adapted by Sara Aniqah Malik to a 1996 American high school Athens Academy. She also directs the performance.
The characters are re-imagined as jocks, cheerleaders and nerds. The actors give energetic and lively performances as they build up to the two big events, the prom and the “regionals” of a Glee competition. They successfully bring a modern relatable energy to Shakespeare’s language. Ricky Oakley’s performance as Starveling particularly stands out to me. Richard Holt’s Bottom was hilarious and endearing and he certainly added to the comedic elements of the play. Zena Carswell gave an impressive and convincing performance in the three very different characters she played Helena, Hippolyta and Quince.
As you enter the Actors’ Church grounds, you can enjoy a drink at The Bard, a new pop-up bar designed specifically for this new adaptation. If you are feeling daring you can order a shakespearian named cocktail. A little after 1930, I am wondering when the performance is going to start. I don’t have to wait too long as performers arrive into the bar and the drama begins there. We are then invited to follow them through the gates to the back of the church. The steps up to the church are used as a stage.
The use of all the spaces is brilliantly done and a truly immersive experience; the bar, the church steps, inside the church, (used for the prom and Glee scenes) and the garden.
I think the use of two main events in the narrative was a bit ambitious and confusing for a two hour performance. Maybe it would have been more successful if it focused and built up to one of these events and developed the narrative around that.
For anyone looking for a very enjoyable and immersive Summer experience in the fabulous Covent Garden, St Pauls Church, this show does not disappoint.
