RSC Friends

The backdrop is of a bombed city, the wide lapels and headscarves suggest 1940’s Britain. Surprisingly, the arrival of rainbow dusted child fairies hint at the Hindu featival of Holi. Confounding expectations still further an elegant white suited Oberon is served by the sprite Puck, part ringmaster, part Mad Hatter and part jester. Lucy Ellinson revels in the role, at one stage, clambering over the audience to do her master’s bidding. Meanwhile, a seductive Titania is attended by waist coated fairies with hints of boho. It is a bold kaleidescopic mix, a magical mystery tour, appropriately dreamlike in its juxtaposition of images. Out of this diversity emerges joy and laughter held together by Tarek Merchant’s wonderful music.

I shed tears of laughter as the players from the Bear Pit Company brought such exuberance and invention as the ‘rude mechanicals’. Similarly, the four lovers; Helena, Hermia, Demetrius, and Lysander exquisitely timed their quick fire insults and protestations of undying love(and hate) for each other. It was a delight to watch these four actors, two making their RSC debut, play with such confidence and brio.

Erica Whyman’s ‘Dream’ is an uplifting and magical experience. I would urge you to go and see it.