Student Group 78 brings Shakespeare's much-loved comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream to The Questors Theatre in Ealing in a lively and traditional production that proves the original play still has plenty of magic of its own.
With so many versions and modern adaptations of this popular comedy staged over the years, it can be difficult for a new production to find a way of standing out. However, this version certainly does not disappoint. Rather than attempting to completely reinvent the play or give it an unnecessary contemporary twist, the production remains true to Shakespeare's original work, allowing the humour, confusion and romantic chaos to speak for itself.
The story follows young lovers Hermia and Lysander, who flee into the forest after Hermia is ordered to marry Demetrius. They are pursued by Demetrius, who is in turn followed by Helena, the woman hopelessly in love with him.
Their already complicated relationships become even more tangled when they enter the magical world of Oberon, Titania and the mischievous Puck. Also wandering through the forest are a group of amateur actors rehearsing a play for the wedding of the Duke of Athens, Theseus, and Hippolyta. When Puck gives Bottom the head of a donkey and a love potion is mistakenly used on the wrong characters, confusion and mayhem quickly take over.
The whole cast delivers energetic and committed performances, making full use of the stage and keeping the action moving throughout. There is a real sense that they have embraced Shakespeare's comedy, from the exaggerated declarations of love to the physical humour and wonderfully absurd misunderstandings.
Tariq Said is hilarious as Bottom, whose excellent physical comedy generates some of the production's biggest laughs. His bewilderment after being given the head of a donkey is wonderfully played, and his comic timing provides some of the evening's funniest moments. It's an energetic, charismatic performance that perfectly captures the playful spirit at the heart of Shakespeare's comedy.
The simple set design works well, leaving plenty of space for the actors to move while allowing the performances to remain at the heart of the production. It also enables the stage to transition seamlessly between Athens and the enchanted forest without relying on elaborate scenery.
The costumes are another real highlight. Thoughtfully designed and entirely in keeping with the period, they immediately draw the audience into Shakespeare's world. Rather than distracting from the story, they enhance it, making it easy to become immersed in the setting and atmosphere of the play.
What stands out most, however, is the decision not to overdo or adapt the material. In an era where Shakespeare is often modernised to make it feel relevant, this production proves it doesn't need to be. Perhaps human relationships haven't changed all that much after all. More than four hundred years after Shakespeare wrote A Midsummer Night's Dream, audiences are still captivated by shifting romances and love triangles - whether in the enchanted forests of Athens or on reality television shows like Love Island.
That enduring appeal was reflected in the audience itself, which spanned several generations. The varied age range in the theatre demonstrated that Shakespeare's comedy continues to entertain newcomers and seasoned theatre-goers alike, without the need for modern gimmicks or reinvention.
At two and a half hours, including a 15-minute interval, it is a substantial evening of theatre. The first half does feel particularly long and, coupled with the current heatwave, there were moments when the audience appeared noticeably restless as they waited for a break. Bringing it forward may have helped, as a handful of scenes felt slightly longer than they needed to be.
A slightly brisker pace in places would keep the momentum flowing without sacrificing Shakespeare's language or the integrity of the original text. Tightening a few scenes would allow the comedy to land even more effectively while maintaining the production's traditional approach.
Despite this minor criticism, it is a thoroughly enjoyable production, filled with humour, enthusiasm and theatrical energy. By trusting Shakespeare's original work rather than trying to transform it into something entirely different, Student Group 78 has produced a version that feels authentic, engaging and refreshingly confident.
Sometimes, staying true to the original really is the boldest choice. A Midsummer Night's Dream is running at the Questors Theatre in Ealing until 18 July, with Green and Blue casts alternating performances each evening.
GREEN CAST
The Court
Theseus - Umar Akram
Hippolyta - Kira Nicole
Philostrate/Egeus - Anastasiia Shupyk
The Fairies
Oberon - Reyhan Rajput-Khan
Titania - Julie Mannion
Puck - Michalina Czapiewska
First Fairy - Kira Nicole
The Lovers
Hermia - Christie Southwick
Lysander - David Richardson
Helena - Jenny Gardiner
Demetrius - Luca Olimpi
The Mechanicals
Quince - Annika Sauff
Bottom - Tariq Said
Flute - Anastasiia Shupyk
Snout - Martin Vlastanov
Starveling - Jennifer Roxanne Sills
Snug - Sara Canelli
BLUE CAST
The Court
Theseus - Reyhan Rajput-Khan
Hippolyta - Julie Mannion
Philostrate/Egeus - Anastasiia Shupyk
The Fairies
Oberon - Umar Akram
Titania - Kira Nicole
Puck - Sara Canelli
First Fairy - Julie Mannion
The Lovers
Hermia - Christie Southwick
Lysander - David Richardson
Helena - Jenny Gardiner
Demetrius - Luca Olimpi
The Mechanicals
Quince - Jennifer Roxanne Sills
Bottom - Tariq Said
Flute - Anastasiia Shupyk
Snout - Martin Vlastanov
Starveling - Annika Sauff
Snug - Michalina Czapiewska
Review: Sunita Jaswal