Review: A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre*

[Ad-gifted] From the opening mischievous delights of Puck, played brilliantly by Will Taylor to the closing hilarity of the performance of ‘Pyramus and Thisbe’ by a rag tag group of working men (including  an entertaining performance from Jonathan Hyde as the over-confident and ridiculous Nick Bottom), Stafford Gatehouse Theatre’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is an immersive, magical experience!

The performance, directed by Sean Turner (The Play That Goes Wrong), is a sensory delight, which begins from the moment you enter the building. The production team have gone to great lengths to bring an enchanting midsummer’s evening into the already beautiful theatre building. The Light, airy, summer garden-feel, and the heady scents of a summer’s evening set the scene perfectly and add to the magic of the performance.

The stage is set in 1930s Athens and as you wait for the performance to start, the scents and sounds (Yes really! From coffee to the gentle perfume of a forest floor and then birdsong, and the ocean lapping the shore) will plunge you into a delightful dreamworld.

The mischievous Puck opens the performance and he has you hooked from the first wink! You will then laugh your way through the five interlinking plots as the talented actors, including (to name only a few as they were all fantastic): Kerry Ellis (Wicked, Les Miserables) and Milly Zero (EastEnders, The Foreigner) bring to life the trials and tribulations of fairies, nobles and an ass! I don’t have to tell you about the plot of AMSND as you’ll know this classic comedic tale from the Bard has something for everyone.

However, the frivolity, power struggles, egos, and love, which the course never runs smooth (sorry! I couldn’t resist) will keep you hooked until, before you know it, the interval is upon you. Even if Shakespeare is not usually your thing, you will leave this light-hearted and enthralling performance feeling as though it was an evening well spent. In the words of Titania, ‘Methought I was enamoured of an ass!’

Refreshments are available at the theatre and if you are organised, you can ring ahead and book a pre-performance platter. If not- like me- hot and cold drinks (including alcoholic beverages), cakes, sweet treats and crisps are available from several bars dotted throughout the theatre.

Ice-cream is also there as an interval treat. If you’re travelling by car, there are a number of car parks within easy walking distance and you can pay by card or parking apps.

Cast

Dan Burton – Oberon
Will Taylor – Puck
Lucinda Freeburn – Peaseblossom
Sam Lightfoot-Loftus – Cobweb
Kerry Ellis – Titania, to complete the fairy line-up or, in this case, the mythical Greek gods.
Milly Zero – Hermia
Noa Nikita Bleeker – Helena
Richard Logun – Lysander
James Bradwell Demetrius
Toby Webster – Theseus
Oyin Orija – Hippolyta
Jonathan Hyde – Nick Bottom
Amy Revelle – Quince
Megan Marszal – Snug
Olivier Sublet – Flute
Elaine Hua Jones – Starveling
Daniel Copeland – Snout/Egeus

Creatives

Sean Turner – Director
Chris Whittaker – Choreography/movement
Stamatis Seraphim – Composer
Jida Akil – Design/Costumes
Anna Phillips – Set Designer
Barry Smith – Llighting Design and
Holly Khan – Sound Designer is Holly Khan

How much do the tickets cost?

Tickets are priced from £32-£35 (concessions and group discount available).

How do I book tickets to watch A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre?

Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting their website here.

How long is the show for and what are the timings?

The show will run until Sunday, 9 July 2023.  The evening shows will run at 7.30pm while the matinee shows will be shown at 2.30pm.

The Fairy Academy

The Fairy Academy which is an associate production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, will also run from June 23 – July 9 at 11am and 3.30pm.  Join Narcissus and Pinewood, two of the most decorated fairy professors, children will get to enrol in the world’s most magical academy where they will learn how to become a fully-qualified fairy. Whilst undergoing their training, the academy receives a special message from Queen Titania sending them on a special mission. Along the way, cadets find a magical wishing tree where they can leave their personal messages on a wishing leaf. Eventually, the academy complete their mission and save the day making them fully-qualified fairies!   Tickets are priced at £5-£12 and the show is suitable for children aged 5 to 9-years-old.

Where is Stafford Gatehouse Theatre?

Stafford Gatehouse is an old Victorian theatre for professional and amateur shows, including Shakespeare and children’s plays. In 2007, the Borough Hall was reopened as Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, by his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. The Borough Hall was originally opened on 20 June 1877 and the building once housed Stafford Borough Council.

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Eastgate Street
Stafford
ST16 2LT
Tel: 01785 619080

Where to park?

Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is in the heart of Stafford, just seconds from the main shopping centre and central tourist attractions. It is less than 10 minutes drive from Junctions 13 and 14 of the M6 and can be found by following the theatre mask symbols on routes into the town centre. There are ample parking facilities a short walk away from the theatre and cycle racks are available outside the building.

Review by: Rowena Jukes

You may want to read this:

Review of Dick Whittington the Rock ‘n’ roll panto at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Review: Stafford Gatehouse’s Open-Air Performance of ROMEO + JULIET

Review: Peter Pan Pantomime at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

Photo credit: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre

* We were provided with press tickets in exchange for a review. All opinions are our own.