Review: DREAM, Royal Shakespeare Company

Photo credit: Stuart Martin

It seems poignant that on the day theatres closed in the UK we were able to experience something totally unique, something that can take theatre in a brand new and exciting direction. To think about how far we have come, from 2020 to now, and finding new ways to perform, just proves how resilient our community is, and how we cannot and will not be stopped.

The project is DREAM, produced with the help of Manchester International Festival (MIF), Marshmallow Laser Feast (MLF) and Philharmonia Orchestra, by the RSC. We journey into the Enchanted Forest where a small story plays out in front of you but here, the actors are in motion capture suits, allowing you to watch a live digital performance. You can see how it all works in a post-show demonstration done after every performance.

While this project isn't overly story based, we would like to mention that the performers all do a really good job at putting participants at ease and allowing you to feel welcome in this strange new world.

At this point, the story becomes an excuse to showcase this incredible innovation off to the public for the first time. The technology is smooth, almost as if you are watching an animated movie so the immersive factor is great. There is so much potential for this style of performance, even post pandemic! We were lucky enough to attend a Q & A before the event and there are so many fascinating things that they are hoping to do thanks to this research.

While it is marketed as an interactive experience, there is still a little further that they could go in that respect. When there are thousands of people on the stream, it's hard to feel as if you are truly influencing the show. Maybe if the production performed to smaller groups with some more interactive elements, it would be more immersive? However, this is something to look forward to in the future.

The visuals and music create a beautiful aesthetic that is both relaxing and intense at times. The event truly takes you on a journey and when it reaches its full potential, it'll be more immersive than most shows, breaking boundaries in what is possible for audience connection.

So go and check out DREAM and fill out the survey after the show. It's definitely worth your time to see where the future of live performance is headed.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Callum Wallace

DREAM runs until Saturday 20 March. To find out more and to book tickets, please click here.