New twist on a Shakespeare classic

One of Shakespeare’s classic comedies will take the stage at the Geelong Arts Centre this weekend, with a new take on the original.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream will come to life tomorrow (Saturday, May 25) and Sunday, May 26 as the cast tells a story of love, mischief, and mayhem.

A production by Bell Shakespeare, Artistic Director Peter Evans has focused on the play within the play leading to a highly physical production.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream is very special to me, and whether you are revisiting an old friend in this play or are brand new to Shakespeare, it is a play to treasure,” he said.

“We set a galloping pace as each of the three interwoven storylines play out, heightening the hilarity as misunderstandings lead to chaos.”

Eight actors take part in the production, all playing multiple characters throughout the show.

Laurence Young plays Lysander and a mechanical in the performance, and said it had been great to have the variation of going from one character to another, with the costumes helping with the changes.

“When you put those pieces on, it informs the way you move, it helps you to understand the world that you’re about to go into, the lighting and the sound is also very specific to each world.”

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is on a national tour visiting 23 cities and regional centres across the country.

Young said this is a performance that speaks to everyone, reaching and engaging with a wide range of audiences.

“What has been really special about this show is we have had audience members 80 plus, sitting there laughing their heads off and in specific moments we’ll have laughter from audience members who couldn’t be more than five years old.

“It’s a really sweet comedy with a lovely ending and I think it’s got a great heart; I just encourage audience members to engage with it and not to fear the Shakespeare.”

The Story House will host the 130-minute production with the Sunday performance including a post-show Q&A.

For tickets and more information, head to geelongartscentre.org.au