A Midsummer Night's Dream, Trevor Nunn

A Midsummer Night's Dream
Presented in English   
New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich (UK) 
June 16-July 9, 2016

Trevor Nunn's banghra-infused, 1930s British Raj-set production of A Midsummer Night's Dream saw him return to his home town and the theatre of which he laid the foundation stone to complete his goal of directing every Shakespeare play. The production also marked the New Wolsey Theatre's 15th anniversary and featured local schoolchildren as fairies.

Directed by Trevor Nunn
Cast: Matt Rawle, Fiona Hampton, Kulvinder Ghir, Harmage Singh Kalirai, Deven Modha, Saikat Ahamed, Minal Patel, Muzz Khan, Neerja Naik, Assad Zaman, Harry Lister Smith, Imogen Daines, Sam Dastor, Michelle Bishop, Esh Alladi and a cast of young local performers aged 8 to 13.

Creative Team:
Associate Director: Michael Oakley
Choreographer: Sonia Sabri
Set and Costume Design: Libby Watson
Lighting Design: Mark Jonathan
Sound Design: Drew Baumohl
Wardrobe: Mandy Brown
Wigs: Stuart Cheadle
Stage Manager: Vanessa Sutherland
Deputy Stage Manager: Robyn Hardisty
Assistant Stage Manager: Lauren Halsall
Casting: Ginny Schiller

On Twitter:
@NewWolsey

For More Information:
www.wolseytheatre.co.uk                  

The Stage review (3 stars): "While [Nunn's] version is not going to redefine anything, it’s still fun and inventive."
"playful culture clash"
"Libby Watson's magnificent set and costumes incorporate both colonial majesty and woodland mystery, with neon fairies glowing within a rustic world."
"Despite this wealth of ideas, there are still moments that lack energy."
"A diverse cast breathe new life into the comedy."
https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/2016/445040/

The Times review (4 stars): "a happy homecoming and a mighty achievement... a really fine midsummer’s night out."
"Nunn’s last couple of Shakespeares, at the Rose in Kingston, were coarse affairs. Here, a fine cast have twinkles in their eye matched by a winning sincerity and simplicity. And the Raj setting fits like a glove."
"The show ends with a jig that’s both Bollywood and Bard, by which time the enchantment is entirely contagious."
http://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/theatre-a-midsummer-nights-dream-at-the-new-wolsey-theatre-ipswich-9s5j9gt0p

East Anglian Daily Times review: "One of the joys of watching Shakespeare on stage is the opportunity to marvel at the innovative ways his plays can be re-interpreted."

"Sir Trevor Nunn’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the New Wolsey Theatre imaginatively transports us from historic Athens to India during the dying days of the Raj. The transfer of location, with it’s “spiced Indian air”, works wonderfully well as the hierarchy of society and the obedience that daughters need to give their fathers is present in both settings." "It’s a production which is fast, inventive, thoughtful and hugely entertaining. Which other Shakespeare production ends, quite fittingly, with the entire cast performing an energetic bhangra dance?"
http://www.eadt.co.uk/what-s-on/review-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-by-william-shakespeare-directed-by-trevor-nunn-new-wolsey-theatre-until-july-9-1-4588128

Funding and Sponsorship:
Sponsored by Ashtons Legal

Image Credit: Mike Kwansiak