A Midsummer Night's Dream RSC at the Barbican Review

This was an absolute lovely production, from the performances, to the set design, to the

lighting, this was just lovely. Featuring Mathew Baynton (who has recently become one of my

favorite comedians after being introduced to Horrible Histories) as Bottom, and directed by Eleanor Rhode, this light-hearted and dreamy interpretation of Shakespeare's midsummer madness was just wonderful. 

Starting with the performances, Mathew Baynton as Bottom was just phenomenal. I have never laughed at Pyramus and Thisbe more, I cried because I was laughing so hard. He brought so much lovable goofy-ness to the role and never took himself too seriously. Andrew Richardson was one of my favorite Oberon's I've ever had the pleasure to watch. He was so messy, I loved it. Sirine Saba as Titania was simply lovely, she was so joyful and commanded the stage. Ryan Hutton as Lysander was absolutely hysterical, his physical comedy was really strong. Finally, Boadicea Ricketts delivered one of the most earnest performances of Helena I've ever seen. She was anything but whiney in a role that so easily becomes annoying, but she was so composed and interesting to watch. 

From a design stand-point, the lighting design takes the cake. I have never seen such gorgeous lighting, with hundreds of lanterns in varying sizes dangling from the ceiling, it was breathtaking. I fully believe Matt Daw deserves an Olivier award for this design. The lighting design paired with Lucy Osborne's set was spectacular. During the big confrontation scene in the forest with the lovers, ladders came out of the floor and ceiling to represent trees, beautiful panels of rope lined the stage when in court, and a floating bed of lanterns made it feel magical and dream-like. The sound design by Pete Malkin paired with using pre-recorded off-stage voices for the fairies paired well with the little lights/fairies caught and chased by multiple cast members created the ultimate dreamy soundscape. Osborne's costumes were also lovely, Mathew's moving donkey ears certainly being a highlight. 

Eleanor Rhode's concept for this production was a total dreamscape, and everything about this slightly absurd, yet playful production helped to create that feeling. It was a wonderfully hilarious and beautiful production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Rating: 4.5/5