A Midsummer Night’s Dream
If you’re looking for a rundown of the plot to A Midsummer Night’s Dream these two might commend themselves to you (for brevity if nothing else)
1
People get lost in the woods. Puck manipulates their romantic affections and (in one case) anatomical head-shape. They put on a play.
2
Four Athenians run away to the forest only to have Puck the fairy make both of the boys fall in love with the same girl. The four run through the forest pursuing each other while Puck helps his master play a trick on the fairy queen. In the end, Puck reverses the magic, and the two couples reconcile and marry.
*****
In 1968 Peter Hall shocked Shakespeare lovers with a film version that might seem quite tame by today’s standards. The Bridge Theatre managed to shock me a couple of years ago by adding lines –as if we weren’t capable of understanding the nuances of Shakespeare’s language. I’m glad to say my annoyance was shared by the man in the next seat.
You’d think everything had been done that could be done, everything seen from every possible angle, and yet somehow every production does something new, some twist, some emphasis that makes you think “Oh, yes, I hadn’t seen it like that”. And I’m sure the Hampstead Players’ forthcoming production will be the same – we’ll go away realising something we hadn’t thought of before.
And if you don’t approve Shakespeare thought of that too
If we shadows have offended,
Think but this, and all is mended,
That you have but slumbered here
While these visions did appear.
And this weak and idle theme,
No more yielding but a dream,
Gentles, do not reprehend:
If you pardon, we will mend:
And, as I am an honest Puck,
If we have unearned luck
Now to ‘scape the serpent’s tongue,
We will make amends ere long;
Else the Puck a liar call;
So, good night unto you all.
Give me your hands, if we be friends,
And Robin shall restore amends.