If we shadows have offended, think but this, and all is mended.

      The weather was lovely, our picnics were out, we all flocked to the lake to see Bath University Student Theatre's production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. I myself have never seen a Shakespeare performance before, but believe me I was impressed. Having studied this play when I was 12, I was not in need of an interpreter as is many the case of Shakespeare. Alas the lines were delivered accurately and with intent, which was a great help.

The Amphitheatre

      Performing at the University of Bath amphitheatre was without a doubt a good call by director Brian Murray, who took advantage of the beautiful scenery to create a minimalist, but ideal setting for this comedy. Indeed, Mr Murray never forgot that Midsummer is Shakespeare's great comedy, whilst keeping the tradition and style of the piece loyal to Shakespeare's age, subtle updating was used to retain a few laughs from the audience.

      Performers were eager to take on the challenge of Shakespeare, which BUST hadn't delved into for a long time. Memorable performances came from Oscar Brennecke-Dunn as Bottom and Sam Lamont as Quince, who harnessed the power struggle between these characters in a way that was both believable, and pleasing to watch. Other highlights for me included Anny Hughes' Puck, who's mischievous actions act as an essential catalyst for the story, Anny's delivery was consistent with the style and thoroughly enjoyable.

Anny Hughes as Puck

     Other highlights included the mechanicals' performance of "Pyramus and Thisby" at the end of the play. Stealing most of the play's laughs, a majority of which come from Thom Kidgell's Flute performing as Thisby, the tragic lover of Pyramus. 

(L-R) Oscar Brennecke-Dunn as Bottom, Emily Light

as Snout, Sam Lamont as Quince, Thom Kidgell as

Flute.

     Whilst the development of the four lovers central to the comedy felt a bit neglected at places, the performances for these characters were also strong, including the fight scene sparked by Puck's intervention. Which provided strong acting and some great comedy from Guiseppe Guarino as a bold Demetrius, Lizzie Wood as a vulnerable but headstrong Hermia, Cameron Morrissey, who approaches Lysander with a slick approach to his manipulation by the fairies, and last but not least, Hollie Christian-Brookes plays Helena with great confidence, with a touch of victimization during her confusion later on in the play.

(L-R) Cameron Morrissey as Lysander, Hollie

Christian-Brookes as Helena, Lizzie Wood as Hermia

      Other comments should be made to Rafael San Martin and Claire O'Riordan Bagnall as Theseus and Hyppolyta respectively, who provide a level headed, yet totalitarian constriction on the events of the play in a completely appropriate way; Janna Chapman as Egeus, who pays particular attention to the Law vs Love themes of the play and executes them well; Oberon and Titania's fallout was maturely delved into by Connor McMorton and Francesca Webster respectively, particularly Titania's infatuation with ass-headed Bottom being one of the more memorable images of the play.

Oscar Brennecke-Dunn as Bottom

Francesca Webster as Titania

      Finally, we have Starveling, played by Terry Thomas, who harnessed the minimalist approach to the show and gave a fluid portrayal of the shy tailor playing moonshine; Anthony De Rauville's portrayal of Philostrate was a pleasant homage to the contrast between the Athenians aristocracy and the simplistic mechanicals; Emily Light as Snout performed beyond the expectation of a wall, her use of facial expressions during the "Pyramus and Thisby" scene added to the scene miraculously. Another highlight was Laz Cunliffe's Snug, an all round comical performance of a lovable character. Something difficult to achieve in the Shakespeare world. She also made a convincing lion.

Laz Cunliffe as Snug

Although easy to forget about, let us not forget the hard work put in by the producers to make this show what it was. Ethan Duffy, Michelle Walder, Abby Morell and Emily Light took on the role particularly unlike that of a traditional production. With good teamwork and some clever prop-use, they did the show as much justice as Brian did as director or any cast member. With this production came many challenges, and new ventures for an already keen society, it is safe to say that it paid off and I would be returning hungry for more of these productions in the future.