Leaning House and Oxford University Press's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream makes use of the extended hours of sunlight in July and the OUP's beautiful quad.
Four young lovers wander the forest and become bewitched by faeries, while a group of thespians rehearse a play. The line between reality and dreams is washed away by the sultry Athenian heat in the height of summer. A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's most accessible plays, and holds incredible delight, and mischief.
In this adaptation, picnic blankets and chairs are laid across the soft grass and the play takes place in the fresh, warm(ish) outside air. The cast and audience alike are among the duck pond, the trees, and the chimes of the nearby tower bells.
The cast, a mix of professional and amateur actors, emphasise the comic elements of the play with extraordinary skill. They found ad hoc competitors in the agitated ducks who shared their stage, but they were unflappable (so to speak) in the face of the randomness of the outdoors, at times humorously integrating their novel environs into the play itself.
A standout feature of the acting is the amazing use of physical comedy: there was lots of running, dragging, and actors climbing on one another. The action is dynamic and renders the story even more accessible to audiences. Although, if you're thinking of taking your family along, be aware that the production provides caution about their use of "mild and brief swearing, one rude gesture, and general naughtiness."
The production is both lively and musical, including song and dance and interludes by a folk ensemble. It creates a dreamy and fun ambiance. While the play is set in Athens, it conjures traditional British celebrations of summer, the most carefree and energetic time of year.
The production is a wonderful example of how using outdoor space well can provide an audience with a wonderful outdoor experience. Bring a few drinks, something to snack on, someone nice to sit beside, and an extra coat for when the sun disappears behind the sandstone building – it's a perfect way to enjoy a classic play.