An entrancing version of Dream

11:13am Friday 8th August 2003

FROM the commencement of the Richmond Drama School’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream I was entranced by the atmosphere that the Director of the School and of this production, David Whitworth had created.

A simple but very effective system of ramps formed the backdrop to the play. Superb costumes and lighting throughout brought out the ethereal beauty of the piece.

All the cast spoke their lines clearly and with particular emphasis on diction and enunciation, which conveyed the full meaning of Shakespeare’s language.

Many of the performers played a variety of parts and what is more were very accomplished musicians, dancers and singers.

Oberon and Theseus as with Titania and Hippolyta were played by different actors or in this case actresses, since the cast was predominantly female. Olivia Chappell was excellent as Oberon as was Sophie Swan as a beautiful Titania. Both these actresses move with grace and I very much liked the Indian silks they were wearing to great effect.

The lovers Helena, Hermia, Lysander and Demetrius were finely portrayed by Leonie Maker, Jacqueline Oceane, Alana Huson and Saskia de Vos. It mattered not that all the parts were played by women, the chemistry between them was very convincing.

The mechanicals were well lead by Sarah-Jane Vincent as Quince doubling as Cobweb in the fiery scenes. She had great presence on stage.

Jamie Kenna, a strapping gentleman, made an impressive Bottom. He sported a particularly realistic ass’s head, matched by his convincing brays and he moved with great agility.

Samantha Wells made a most majestic Theseus supported by a winsome Sylvia Hartley as Hippolyta, who also doubled as the beautiful yet comical first fairy.

Last but not least was the delightful performance of Tiffany Griffiths as a very pixyish Puck. Her movement about the stage was lithe and animated at all times.

George Hillier