A Midsummer Night's Dream - Heaton Park - 03/08/07 by Jeni Pemberton

Feelgood Theatre Productions was founded in 1994 by Artistic Director Caroline Clegg who produces and directs all their shows. The objective was to create theatre with a definite sense of risk and adventure. Their summer season takes place at Heaton Park where the use of different locations in the park gives Feelgood plenty of scope for risk and adventure. I’ve attended open air theatre before and seen some very good productions but they have been very static affairs. This was very much more enjoyable and really brought the play to life.

Probably composed in 1595 or 1596, A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's early and well loved comedies. Set in and around Athens the play tells of the events that take place in the four days between the announcements by the Duke of Athens that he will marry the Queen of the Amazons. and their marriage. These events include tangled romantic relationships and confusions, the famous ‘play within a play’ and the mischief involving the King and Queen of the fairies and their followers.

This production was set in the Heaton area of Manchester in the 1950's and incorporated a number of relevant mechanical and visual props to great effect. The costumes were excellent and the rock and roll era songs skilfully performed a capella before and during the show greatly added to the atmosphere.

The sets were created in different areas of the park to take advantage of the existing features with additional props to create the mood for each scene. Titania’s Bower was wonderful a real bit of fairyland!, built under the spreading bows of a magnificent beech tree. Feelgood productions are full of energy and action and this was no exception with lots of dashing around and some particularly skilful ‘fighting’ (tussling).

The star of the show on the night was Eve Robertson. She was superb as Oberon’s servant Puck. Her technique for exiting the stage was a combination of mischievous child and superhero was particularly effective. Also outstanding in this very strong cast was Anthony Bessick as Bottom.

This was a real summer treat. It reminded me of a Knickerbocker Glory an ice cream dessert composed of layers of different colour and flavour that I associate with early childhood holidays. Each layer was enjoyable on its own but as a whole it was very special. I’m already looking forward to next season’s productions.