Skip to main content
Playing as a lark enthuses audience

Midsummer Nights Dream
The Globe, London
★★★★

 

IF there is any doubt that A Midsummer Night’s Dream can be played as a lark from start to finish, then this hyperactive Sean Holmes production will put such thoughts to bed.

Delivered with music hall panache throughout, every moment is milked for maximum silliness, while up in the gallery an off-the-wall, Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah style band accentuates the absurdities with rude blasts of the tuba, trombone and trumpet.

Jocelyn Jee Esien as Bottom is a Max Milleresque bundle of double (and single) entendre, making an agreeable ass of herself in more ways than one, while Faith Omole as a fiery, sexually charged Hermia provides some of the best moments of outraged, boisterous confusion.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
(L) Mudlark kneels on a rocky shore, collecting objects; (R) Medieval pilgrim badge. Pics © London Museum
Exhibitions / 22 April 2025
22 April 2025

PETER MASON is enthralled by an assembly of objects, ancient and modern, that have lain in the mud of London’s river

POWER-DRESSING: Miriam Grace Edwards as Mary in Mrs Presiden
Theatre Review / 5 February 2025
5 February 2025
PETER MASON applauds a thought-provoking study of the relationship between a grieving woman and her photographer
CONSTRUCTIVISM FOR KIDS: Ballet Shoes at the National Theatr
Theatre Review / 9 December 2024
9 December 2024
PETER MASON is moved by a striking production of Noel Streatfeild’s enduringly popular children’s book
DOUBLE TAKE: Dominic Semwanga and Megan Keaveney as Fes and
Theatre review / 4 December 2024
4 December 2024
PETER MASON reckons the NYT’s production of Shakespeare’s comedy is the pick of the Christmas shows on offer in London 
Similar stories
DOUBLE TAKE: Dominic Semwanga and Megan Keaveney as Fes and
Theatre review / 4 December 2024
4 December 2024
PETER MASON reckons the NYT’s production of Shakespeare’s comedy is the pick of the Christmas shows on offer in London 
KEW JUMPING: Fairies in Theatre on Kew's production of Midsu
Theatre review / 30 July 2024
30 July 2024
PETER MASON is unimpressed by an unsubtle production that disregards its woodland setting
EXHUBERANCE AND DARING: Bonfire at the Saint John festivitie
Notes From A Free Walker / 13 July 2024
13 July 2024