A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Barbican Theatre

Originally staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon, Eleanor Rhode’s iteration of A Midsummer Night’s Dream now brings its extraordinary cast, larger-than-life comedy and innovative set design to the Barbican Centre. With the magical touch of its Illusion Director and Designer, professional magician John Bulleid, the enchanting production captivates with both its theatrical brilliance and spellbinding visual effects.

As soon as the characters depart from Athens, the Barbican Theatre’s sprawling stage is transformed into a vibrant, otherworldly forest brimming with chaos and enchantment. Colour-changing orbs suspended from above mimic the mercurial moods of the fairy realm, their lighting rapidly shifting to mirror the play’s breakneck escalations. At one point, a batch of rainbow-coloured plastic balls suddenly descends upon the characters, adding to the unbridled unpredictability of this fantastical world. And the inclusion of whimsically executed illusions – such as pixies vanishing into shadows or the Fairy Queen’s bed that appeared to be suspended midair – further evoke a sense of wonder.

The physicality of the performers emerges as one of the production’s most striking features. The push-and-pull dynamics of the young Athenians in a love quadrangle – Hermia (Dawn Sievewright), Lysander (Ryan Hutton), Helena (Boadicea Ricketts) and Demetrius (Nicholas Armfield) – are delivered with an exuberance that is both uproarious and heartfelt. In a particularly memorable sequence, Helena’s relentless pursuit of Demetrius becomes a showcase of physical comedy at its finest, as she literally chases him across the stage. The lovers’ spell-induced quarrel is a whirlwind of shoves, tumbles and recoils, and reaches an apex of chaos when Lysander’s spell-induced revulsion for Hermia manifests in dramatic retching.

Matthew Baynton delivers an expectedly shining performance as Bottom with impeccable comic timing and a natural lightness that keeps the character endearing through every subplot. Yet, the unexpected star of the show is Katherine Pearce as Puck. With her riotous, impish energy, Pearce brings a sense of boundless mischief to the role, effortlessly roaming the stage and engaging with the audience. Her playful interactions and central role in the musical transitions immerse the audience in the production’s enchantment, ensuring that the spell lingers long after the final curtain falls.

Striking a deft balance between Shakespearean comedy and contemporary theatricality, Rhode’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is endless in its flow but swift in pace, offering an experience that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern. Bursting with magic and festive spirit, it’s the perfect dose of wonder for the holiday season.

Christina Yang
Photos: Pamela Raith

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is at Barbican Theatre from 3^rd December 2024 until 18^th January 2025. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Barbican Theatre here: