A Midsummer Night s Dream by The lord Chamberlain s Men IN the idyllic surroundings of the Priory Gardens within sight of Ely Cathedral, the Lord Chamberlain s Men frolicked through A Midsummer Night s Dream to the delight of the relaxed audience. Authent

A Midsummer Night's Dream by The lord

Chamberlain's Men

IN the idyllic surroundings of the Priory Gardens within sight of Ely Cathedral, the Lord Chamberlain's Men frolicked through A Midsummer Night's Dream to the delight of the relaxed audience. Authentic casting and boisterous shenanigans of the highest comic order gave us insight into Shakespeare's talent.

The anxiety-ridden path of true love, agonising antics of the over-enthusiastic amateur at work and the tension-filled power structures of the society of Shakespeare's day were all clothed in wonderful humour by these real professionals.

Seven youthful actors filled the roles with amazing alacrity and skill. The actors whirled through the plot, changing their costumes, posture, voice inflections and gestures so that we became thoroughly involved in the different characters and their predicaments. Effective part-singing and background music also helped the changes.

Highlights included: Helena's tremendous reactions - ranging from outright despair at her powerful but unrequited love for Demetrius and her incredulous facial expressions at the sudden changes of events, Bottom's wonderfully grandiose gestures and the amazing twists and turns as the confused lovers squabbled with much flinging about the stage. Their portrayal of bumbling amateurs in their home-sun play arguing with the audience mid-performance also helped to develop an uplifting and memorable event.

The cast and their main characterisations included: Garry Jenkins (Helena); Edward Harrison (Bottom / Demetrius); Connor Williams (Oberon); Ben Tolley (Lysander); Andrew Young (Titania); Joe Elwood (Hermia) and David Hughes (Puck).

INFO: contact www.lordchamberlainsmen.co.uk

Rosemary Westwell