A Midsummer’s Much Ado about Two Gentlemen, Three Fairies and Twelve Nights.

A Midsummer’s Much Ado about Two Gentlemen, Three Fairies and Twelve Nights.
Written by William Shakespeare, selected, adapted and directed by Chris Hamley. Hamley Productions. Pooley Wines, Richmond. January 11-27, 2019

This, the third Shakespeare mash up from Hamley Productions, might well have been called An Evening of Fools. The excerpts selected are delightful. There are few lords and ladies in this production. Scenes from Two Gentlemen of Verona, A Midsummer’s Night’s Dream and Twelfth Night are chosen for their comic value. Minor comedic characters and subplots become the focus of attention. Each of the five cast members take on several roles with great versatility.

Jeremy Pyefinch and Scott Burns were hilarious as Sir Andrew Aguecheek and Sir Toby Belch. These two drunkards use the Pooley Vineyard venue to great advantage. The use of contemporary songs, and there are many interspersed, augment the silliness.

The sections of Two Gentlemen of Verona were well chosen, the highlight being the scene between Lucetta (Danni Ashton) and Julia (Jacqueline Morrison). The wordier and more serious opening suffered due to the ambient noise of the environment.

The Rude Mechanicals take centre stage in the second half.  Oberon and Titania could have been dispensed with given that the final, joyously silly, conclusion was performed in the half light of dusk.

Along with performer/director Chris Hamley, one would be hard pressed to award the best actor for vocal or physical characterisation. Prize for the most mobile face must, however, go to Scott Burns.

Food and beverages are available at the venue but need to be pre-ordered.

Anne Blythe-Cooper

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