Absolutely adore 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', ever since primary school when studying it and reading it the text out loud when playing a character (loved that way of learning, not everyone did). Love the colourful characters, the magic, the playfulness, the hilarious comedy and at times pathos. The story may seem complicated on first glance, with a lot going on, but actually 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is one of Shakespeare's most accessible plays, and it is one of my favourites of his and adore the amazing text and how he uses it.
On the most part, with only a few exceptions (2015's 'Hamlet', which actually wasn't too bad, 2019's 'The Tragedy of King Richard II' and especially 2018's 'Macbeth'), the Shakespeare productions from the National Theatre Live series range between good to amazing. With a cast this talented and having liked a good deal of Nicholas Hytner's previous work, expectations were extremely high watching this production with no doubts actually that it would be good. It turned out to be an absolute dream of a production and really made my week when watching, as far as the series' Shakespeare productions go this 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is among the best. One of the best productions personally seen too of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and one of the most unique.
Visually, the production looks amazing. Even if not the most traditional of Shakespeare productions, it still managed to be one of the most dreamily imaginative looking as well as one of the best and most interesting. The sets really bring the enchanting atmosphere to life, full of rich colour, very atmospheric lighting and incredible attention to detail. Adding to the magic are the use of the likes of rolling smoke and aerial acrobatics, very inventively done and don't come over as gimmicky or overblown. While the scene changes and transitions are seamless and helps with making the viewer feel like they've been transported to another world.
Found myself pleasantly surprised by the soundtrack. Was worried that the contemporary sections of the music would be out of place and be at odds with everything else, but actually it helped give the production its energetic groove, while other parts are hypnotic and mysterious which helps bring the atmosphere to life. When it comes to the stage direction, this is one of the most entertaining, most refreshing and most compelling productions of the play and for anything, the humour is playful and extremely funny, any tension excites and any additional touches and differences are actually tasteful and bring a new angle without becoming incoherent. With the amount of energy it has too the length flies by without being dizzying. The production also does very well at making the play accessible and doesn't make things more complicated than needed.
The performances also contribute heavily to the production's enjoyment factor. All four lovers have strong comic timing and vulnerability, any frustrations relatable. Tessa Bonham Jones' Helena is particularly good. Gwendoline Christie is a regal and enchanting Titania, looking beautiful too, with plenty of wit. There has seldom from my experience been a funnier Oberon than Oliver Chris, while David Moorst is a deliciously naughty and remarkably physical (one of the most physical interpretations of the role) Puck. Stealing every scene he's in is Hammed Animashaun's both hilarious and adorable Bottom.
In summary, brilliant. 10/10
On the most part, with only a few exceptions (2015's 'Hamlet', which actually wasn't too bad, 2019's 'The Tragedy of King Richard II' and especially 2018's 'Macbeth'), the Shakespeare productions from the National Theatre Live series range between good to amazing. With a cast this talented and having liked a good deal of Nicholas Hytner's previous work, expectations were extremely high watching this production with no doubts actually that it would be good. It turned out to be an absolute dream of a production and really made my week when watching, as far as the series' Shakespeare productions go this 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' is among the best. One of the best productions personally seen too of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' and one of the most unique.
Visually, the production looks amazing. Even if not the most traditional of Shakespeare productions, it still managed to be one of the most dreamily imaginative looking as well as one of the best and most interesting. The sets really bring the enchanting atmosphere to life, full of rich colour, very atmospheric lighting and incredible attention to detail. Adding to the magic are the use of the likes of rolling smoke and aerial acrobatics, very inventively done and don't come over as gimmicky or overblown. While the scene changes and transitions are seamless and helps with making the viewer feel like they've been transported to another world.
Found myself pleasantly surprised by the soundtrack. Was worried that the contemporary sections of the music would be out of place and be at odds with everything else, but actually it helped give the production its energetic groove, while other parts are hypnotic and mysterious which helps bring the atmosphere to life. When it comes to the stage direction, this is one of the most entertaining, most refreshing and most compelling productions of the play and for anything, the humour is playful and extremely funny, any tension excites and any additional touches and differences are actually tasteful and bring a new angle without becoming incoherent. With the amount of energy it has too the length flies by without being dizzying. The production also does very well at making the play accessible and doesn't make things more complicated than needed.
The performances also contribute heavily to the production's enjoyment factor. All four lovers have strong comic timing and vulnerability, any frustrations relatable. Tessa Bonham Jones' Helena is particularly good. Gwendoline Christie is a regal and enchanting Titania, looking beautiful too, with plenty of wit. There has seldom from my experience been a funnier Oberon than Oliver Chris, while David Moorst is a deliciously naughty and remarkably physical (one of the most physical interpretations of the role) Puck. Stealing every scene he's in is Hammed Animashaun's both hilarious and adorable Bottom.
In summary, brilliant. 10/10