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Charming, witty and a little bit magical, the all-female Whole Pack Theatre Company bring some new life in a Narnia-inspired A Midsummer Night’s Dream for their debut production.Summary
Rating
Good
The Whole Pack Theatre Company have turned old Shakespeare on its head. Where plays used to be performed only by men, this all-female company is touring A Midsummer Night’s Dream this winter, setting it in pseudo-Narnia, and inviting the festive season into this classic. Today it is at the Libra Theatre Café, a charming place with a no-frills space downstairs for the performance.
It’s no secret that Shakespeare is hard to pull off. Wordy with complicated overlapping plot lines, the small cast of six have got their work cut out for them. Tonight’s performance finds its flow, but it does seem to take a little while to get there, as if the cast needed some time to warm up before settling in to the show.
When it gets going, though, it offers a charming evening of storytelling. Jessamy James’ direction brings something refreshing to something old and, once the beat is found, the rhythm that Shakespeare needs keeps the story moving at a good pace. Some sweet festive and folky singing help to set the magical and pastoral vibe, thanks to Musical Director Meghan Louise Taylor. The set is a simple backdrop of white and a few strings of leaves, no-frills like the venue, but is still quite effective in keeping us in the snowy location.
For the most part, the performances are good. It’s a real challenge, to play two, three or four characters in one evening, but the cast all do so nicely. ‘Good’ is enough for the cast to keep the audience moving along with them, but without one particular performer the evening is at risk of lacking sparkle. Carys Vaughan Smith playing Theseus / Bottom is phenomenal in both parts. Perhaps most impressive is the way she brings unique characterisation to each with changes in voice and physicality, instantly standing out. I was very impressed (and horrified…) to find out she has only just finished school! It’s a shame for the rest of the tour that she is with the cast as Swing, so maybe I was witness to something completely unique.
After two-and-a-half hours it’s easy to feel like things are dragging in the theatre. Tonight, there was none of this kind of fatigue. Charming, witty and a little bit magical, The Whole Pack Theatre Company bring some new life to an old, lovely tale. This is a recommended watch for an enjoyable evening of storytelling.
Directed by: Jessamy James
Produced by: Megan Carter, Mary Anne Coleman, Jessamy James and Meghan Louise Taylor for The Whole Pack Theatre Company
Stage Manager/Lighting Design by: Mary Anne Coleman
Musical Direction by: Meghan Louise Taylor
Movement Direction by: Megan Carter
Costume Design by: Amanda Beauchamp
A Midsummer Night’s Dream has finished its run at the Libra Theatre Café, but continues its tour until 26 Jan 2025. Further information and booking details can be found here.
