There is a rare treat on at the Mullumbimby Drill Hall Theatre for only the next couple of weeks: the best version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream which I have ever witnessed, including exquisite mechanicals and costumes. The contagious joy owes a lot of its exuberance to the tight-knit cast and crew. They have obviously worked very hard to deliver this professional, yet unique, transformation of this work, on the bard’s 450th birthday. I dare not mention anyone by name, to conserve their fine equilibrium.
However, I was astounded not only by the quality of their acting, but also by the beautiful notes reached by both Helena and Hermia. Robin had me enthralled, as the trickster puck in service to the deceptive and (scarily) convincing King Of The Fairies, Oberon. Titania, his enchanted (and enchanting) Queen, managed to convey a vast gamut of emotions in a rare and profound way, drawing me ever deeper into the story. Mostly set in a land in the woods near Mullum, ’70s style, it was quite hilarious to encounter the devoted lover Lysander’s interactions with the devoted son Demitrious. The fairies play with these puny humans’ emotions in a hilarious way.
Fate collides with the determined will of a brash and strong Fairy King. On another, more risque and bawdy level, you are guaranteed to not miss a word from the irrepressible Bottom, along with his cohorts, who form a travelling show of sorts. Thumbs up to Quince, for trying to keep them in line. I can barely believe that theatre of this calibre exists within the confines of Mullumbimby. Whether you love or loathe Shakespeare, this is an event not to be missed, ‘this must be done with haste …’! For a sneak-peek, go to drillhalltheatre.org.au
Sarah Smith, Mullumbimby
