In the late 1500’s when William Shakespeare was writing ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, I don’t think he would have ever imaged anything as fun and outlandish as the Filter Theatre companies unique take on his greatest work over 500 years later.
Condensing the majority of the original play down into just under an hour and a half, the Filter Theatre Company and Lyric Hammersmith co-production have remixed, reworked and revitalised the classic play and brought it up to date with the 21st century, with a mix of music and mayhem.
When first walking into the Theatre, the stage seems to be set more for a rock concert than a play, but it is this music that provides the chemistry between the different elements of recorded and live music and sound, that is such a vital part of the show.
The comedian, Actor and musician Ed Gaughan who plays peter Quince introduces the show, getting the audience in the mood for the ensuing chaos creating Shakespeare as you’ve never seen it before.
The Filter Theatre Company is well known for its unique take on classic texts, including Twelfth Night, Three Sisters and The Caucasian Chalk Circle. However this time they are joined by ‘The London Snorkelling Team’ providing the music, and the acting troupe, along with Fergus O’Donnell (Audience member) who delivers a stand out performance.
Director Sean Holmes has done a brilliant job managing to keep the audience laughing throughout.
Ollie Dimsdale who plays Egeus and Puck said “The magic comes from the music and the music is the magic”.
The actors and musicians number just 11 in total, which is all that is needed for the cast to create one of the most unexpected takes of Shakespeare’s classic play that the audience has possibly ever seen.
Note – includes swearing and sexual content.
Midsummer Night’s Dream can be seen at The Curve until 5th November.
