ED2012 4/5 Reviews ED2012 Theatre Reviews

A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Custom/Practice, Assembly, TEG Productions in association with Almeida Theatre)

By | Published on Friday 24 August 2012

Thinking about it, a secondary school is perfect for the romantic musical chairs that is this play. Although we are transported away from the classroom, by using this start they can add occasional modern dialogue, helping the craftsmen-turned-actors’ scenes, which are as splendidly crude as Shakespeare could have ever hoped for. Never is the bard’s brilliance used to pull them through it: the four lovers become real people when they tumble about, while Puck expresses every word with his entire frame. Yet the ending fails to make clear why the enchanter teacher makes them live the play. But if you – like a group of reluctant teens – think that you loathe Shakespeare head to this fantastic show.

Assembly George Square, 2-27 Aug (not 20), 4.00pm.
tw rating 4/5 | [Lia Sanders]

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