Shakespeare is often described as the Marmite of literature: people either love his work or hate it, with very little middle ground. As someone who enjoys Shakespearean plays greatly, I was happy to see the National Production Company’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Sale Waterside on 28 April.
The Waterside is a perfect location as it brings professional acting to our local area, saving us a trip into the city centre. This specific show was a traditional retelling, which meant the audience could easily follow the plot. It was a wonderful interpretation that did not need modern gimmicks to entertain.
Nevertheless, I found the online description of the show quite confusing. It framed the performance as a comedy, leading me to believe there would be plenty of humorous moments. In reality, the production was quite serious and traditional, with only a few funny parts. While it was still high quality, the online information might lead some to expect more laughs than the show actually delivers.
The star of the night was undoubtedly the actor playing Puck. I have seen several interpretations of this play, including operatic versions, but this Puck was special. They understood every nuance of the role and managed to make the classical Shakespearean language sound natural and easy to understand.
I also wish there had been a bit more creativity when interpreting the character of Bottom. The scenes where he transforms into an ass usually provide the most entertaining moments of the play. In my opinion, more jokes and silly comedy were needed here, as the performance felt a little too safe for such a famously funny role.
In conclusion, this was a wonderful show that allowed me to enjoy one of Shakespeare’s most popular stories while supporting a local venue. If you are planning a visit soon, remember that the Canal Street Card gives you 10% off your drinks at the bar. It is a brilliant way to end a night at the theatre.
Looking ahead, there are many exciting events coming to the Waterside. The Pride in Trafford festival runs from 12 to 17 May, featuring a vibrant mix of performances. Also, for the Shakespeare fans, the production of Macbeth Alone arrives on 19 May, offering a powerful look at one of his greatest tragedies.
By James
For Canal Street