Summer only really begins for London theatre-goers with the opening of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre's annual production of the Dream. Over the years, some have been great and some indifferent, but all are lent a mysterious magic by the natural setting and lengthening shadows as dusk creeps stealthily over the stage. Christopher Luscombe's production has a lot to live up to after last year's triumph, and though it seldom engenders genuine wonder, it still offers a good many intriguing ideas.
Things begin well with Theseus offering his Hippolyta a concert, with the characters emerging from out of the orchestra, but while Gary Yershon's music is a strong presence throughout, that idea isn't developed. At times, the whole thing, particularly the relationships between the quartet of young lovers, has a heavy veneer of Victorian melodrama. And though the sprouting grass raises a laugh, it does little to really suggest untamed nature and wild dreams invading the real world.
Despite these difficulties, the evening works reasonably well, not least because of Ian Talbot's Nick Bottom, by no means the funniest I've seen but undoubtedly one of the most loveable. There is also a beautifully observed homoerotic relationship between Richard Glaves' very fine Puck and Mark Meadows' commanding Oberon. Add to that a delightfully funny version of Pyramus and Thisbe, and the evening succeeds in sending you out into the night satisfied, if not entirely stirred.
· Until August 18. Box office: 08700 601811.
