For the second instalment of their ‘Shakespeare in the Park’ tour, Time & Again Theatre Company revive their production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream set in the 1980s.  Originally performed in August 2021, the theatre troupe are back with some returning cast members and some new faces to bring the show back to Wilmslow and this year, take it on tour.

Setting the show in the 1980s was certainly not an afterthought as directors and company founders Laura Crow and Jon Turner have really thought about how different lifestyles in the 80s tie in with the characters and themes of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The ‘rude mechanicals’ become striking miners, with the ethereal world of the fairies taking inspiration from the New Romantic movement.  From the input of these small alterations, as well as 1980s inspired costumes, set, music and the odd extra line, they have integrated their chosen theme into this Shakespearean tale perfectly.  Since much of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is set in the woods where the fairy realm resides, the outdoor venue for the ‘Shakespeare in the Park’ tour complete with actual woodland as a backdrop to the play is perfectly fitting.

One element of the show that is truly eye catching is the array of costumes worn by the cast.  Many of the costumes from Time & Again’s original run of A Midsummer Night’s Dream unfortunately were lost to a devastating storage unit fire in February when the company’s collection of handmade and vintage props and costume were destroyed.  But thanks to donations from their members and supporters, Time & Again have been able to come back stronger than ever with a replenished wardrobe that channels 80s power house energy.  The most mesmerising costumes are those of Oberon, Titania and members of their fairy kingdom, which are all heavily influenced by the extravagance of the New Romantic movement, which feels like it belongs with the blurring of gender lines and the ethereal beings.

The entire cast perform their parts brilliantly and have great chemistry with one another.  Comedic moments seem to occur naturally and never feel forced, which makes the show all the more genuinely funny.  Some of the actors worthy of a special mention for their performances are Jessica Ayres - who plays fair Helena and demonstrates her range as an actor in a role that really contrasts from her part in Time & Again’s other touring production Much Ado About Nothing, and Anthony Morris who plays opposite Ayres as Demetrius. Every interaction between the pair is truly enthralling and is a pleasure to witness the rollercoaster that is their characters’ relationship.  Additionally, Ty Mather as the mischievous and elusive Puck and Tim Cooper as the pompous miner Nick Bottom both provide comic relief throughout the play and are delightfully quirky in their take on these classic Shakespearean roles.

A magically wonderful rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream charged up with 80s powerhouse energy. This production may feel like just a dream but it is, in fact, a reality thanks to Time & Again Theatre Company.  Get lost in the woods and in the land of Shakespeare at their upcoming shows in Leeds and the Manchester Fringe Festival.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Jess Dalloway

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