The movie “A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Live at Shakespeare’s Globe 2014” is a whimsical and intricate masterpiece. It follows the intertwining lives of four characters as they navigate love, magic, and mischief in a mystical forest. The actors bring Shakespeare’s language to life with their fantastic performances and the Globe Theatre provides an authentic backdrop for this enchanting tale. Overall, it is a true spectacle that will leave audiences spellbound.
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Review
It was a warm summer evening in London, and the Globe Theatre was alive with excitement and anticipation. The air was thick with the smell of popcorn and hotdogs, as people from all walks of life gathered in one place to witness a spectacle that would leave them spellbound. The occasion? A live performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays.
As I made my way through the crowds towards my seat, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of wonder at the sheer size and grandeur of the Globe. It was an open-air theatre, built in the same style as it would have been back in Shakespeare’s day – with wooden beams, thatched roofs and open sides that allowed for natural light to flood in.
The play began with a bang (literally), as Titania, Queen of the Fairies, entered the stage accompanied by an explosion of glitter and streamers. From there on out, it was a whirlwind ride through a fantastical world where lovers got lost in enchanted forests; fairies played pranks on mortals; and magic ruled supreme.
One particularly memorable scene involved Bottom (played brilliantly by Pearce Quigley) waking up to find that he had been transformed into an ass by Puck (John Lightbody). The audience roared with laughter as Bottom brayed his way through his lines, completely oblivious to his new form.
Another highlight for me was Helena’s (Ankur Bahl) monologue about unrequited love. Her heartfelt delivery left me feeling like I had just witnessed something truly special.
But it wasn’t just about the acting – every aspect of this production was top-notch. From the stunning costumes (designed by Lez Brotherston) to the beautiful score (composed by Olly Fox), everything came together seamlessly to create an experience that was both visually and emotionally stunning.
Of course, there were also some darker moments in the play – such as when Oberon (Chris Levens) and Titania (Michelle Terry) argued over custody of a changeling boy. But even in these moments, the actors brought a sense of depth and nuance to their characters that made them feel all the more real.
It’s clear that everyone involved in the production had a deep respect for Shakespeare and his work. This was evident not only in the meticulous attention to detail but also in the way that they were able to make the language accessible and engaging to modern audiences.
In fact, I would go so far as to say that this production has breathed new life into “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. It’s no wonder that it has been so well-received by critics and audiences alike, with one reviewer describing it as “a masterpiece of visual storytelling”.
As I left the Globe that night, feeling thoroughly exhilarated by what I had just witnessed, I couldn’t help but reflect on how lucky we are to have access to such incredible cultural experiences. As Gabriel Garcia Marquez once wrote: “Culture is not a luxury but a necessity for humanity.” And after seeing this production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, I couldn’t agree more.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 172
- Release : 2014-07-15
- Genre : Comedy, Fantasy
- Cast : Michelle Terry as Titania/Hippolyta, John Light as Oberon/Theseus, Matthew Tennyson as Puck/Philostrate, Sarah MacRae as Helena, Olivia Ross as Hermia
- Crew : William Shakespeare as Author, Robin Lough as Director, Dominic Dromgoole as Director, Dominic Dromgoole as Executive Producer, Jonathan Fensom as Production Designer
- Popularity 1.082
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Shakespeare’s Globe
- Summary : On a Midsummer’s night, four young lovers find themselves wrapped in the dream-like arms of an enchanted forest where sprites lurk and fairies rule.
- Tagline : The course of true love never did run smooth.
