A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a romantic comedy, a comedy of love and lovers, sprites and fairies, and with such a large cast a clever, if not challenging, way for the Brewery to celebrate ten years of its successful Youth Arts programme.

Heartening it was indeed to see such youthful talent grace the Brewery stage, inspired down the years by driving force Tricia Gordon, and until her recent departure to pastures anew in Newcastle, Helen Moffitt.

Multifarious in every way, we watched, spellbound, as Oberon’s fairies influenced and subverted mortal life and love with mischievous power.

There was a sureness to all individual and dance group performances from all ages.

Shakespeare’s turn of phrase is no easy feat but each and everyone delivered their lines with aplomb.

An excellent Sarah Porthouse as Puck darted hither and thither, Isabella Farrer was a beguiling Titania and Jake Martin was a very capable Oberon.

Rachael Stott as Helena shone and Liam Ball strode the stage with remarkable assurance as Thesus.

Bottom’s tour de force as Pyramus was supremely funny, played with quite staggering confidence by Arick Russell.

The finale, a pseudo-tragedy performed for the Athenians by Pyramus and his fellow troupe of local artisans, brought a magical night to wonderful conclusion.

Adrian Mullen