What a transformation! Two years ago, Ian Talbot's production was perfectly serviceable, but not outstanding. Now it is a delight. It is as if some magical alchemy has taken place - and not just in the lovers who, spending the night in the forest, lose their innocence as well as most of their clothes. It reminds you that Shakespeare's comedies really can be fun and funny. There could be no better introduction to this overproduced play.
The Edwardian setting and grimy fairies remain, as does Kit Surrey's design, with its startling emerald-green turf and verdant mounds that make the wood look like an Athenian outpost of Teletubby land. One half expects Tinky-Winky to emerge, swinging his handbag. Instead, out of the hillocks come the most delightfully malicious fairies: a group of bovver-booted, ill-mannered urchins who, despite the odd torn sailor suit, owe nothing to Arthur Rackham and everything to Sid Vicious. Acting like manic poltergeists, they lead the lovers on a hellish dance that has them acting like puppets and falling down the slippery slope to true love.
There are some dodgy stresses and the odd doubtful performance. And from the back of the theatre it may not be quite such an enchanting experience, so much sure you book a front stalls seat.
The difference between two years ago and now is that this time round, Talbot has cast his leads spot-on: the lovers have the physical skills to deliver the pratfalls with aplomb, and there is a sensuous Titania (Sirine Saba). Best of all are the rib-tickling group of mechanicals, led by John Hodgkinson's bumptious Bottom, a man who is all the funnier for the fact that he is so humourless, he doesn't get any joke - least of all the one that's on him.
· Until September 2. Box office: 0870 060 1811.
