Malahide Castle and Gardens was transformed into an Athenian Shakespearean dream on Tuesday night, as outdoor theatre entertained hundreds against the most picturesque backdrop.
Chapterhouse Theatre Company’s version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream enchanted families, couples and friends, as they picnicked on the West Lawn, with the majestic 12th Century castle in the background. There could not have been a more perfect evening for an outdoor play as the evening sun set and Malahide Castle became a natural home for this romantic tale for one night only.
William Shakespeare’s beloved play dates back to the 1590s and it’s incredible to think that to this day, the theatrical prowess played out on stage still resulted in moments of awe and laughter. It is true, however, that such was the genius of Shakespeare, that audiences today can still relate to his timeless themes and perhaps to none more so than on the theme of love and loss.
Children in their parents arms, delighted at the wit and boundless energy of the beloved but foolish Bottom, the theatrical oaf featured in the play. While their parents watched in admiration at the believable portrayal of undying and heartbreaking love, performed by Hermia, who realises her lover, Lysander, has fallen for another woman, Helena. Though, of course, his betrayal is not true and has been sparked only by a magic spell.
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This is a story I’ve been familiar with since around the age of 14. I studied the play in detail during various periods of my schooling in Greater Manchester, right up to my A-levels, when I was 18. I already adored A Midsummer Night’s Dream but it was particularly delightful to see a Dublin audience, not brought up on the play, enthralled by it, too.
As the fairy king Oberon and fairy queen Titania, argue at the outset of the play, crows flew overhead, in their natural park environment. And as I looked around, I realised the expansive lush landscape had seemed to aid in transfixing this audience to feel almost personally involved in this 400-year-old love affair.
The setting created another kind of real time magic, different to that carried out by Oberon, Titania and the delightfully mischievous Puck. And not once did I see a child or adult reach for a screen to pass the time.
Instead, their focus was fully concentrated on the stage and the talented actors occupying it. For me, the actor in the role of Puck was sensational, along with Hermia.
While the actor playing Bottom easily provided the comedy necessary for this role. Though all on stage clearly gave their all to this performance.
And it showed. The audience responded with affection and admiration as a result.
And I can say, having studied the play during periods of my schooling and college years and having seen it live in a park previously, this was a very strong version of Shakespeare’s beloved work. It was also particularly lovely, that the actors spent moments getting to know the audience a little, during an interval raffle.
While the crew also asked the audience to sing Happy Birthday to a little girl, celebrating her fifth birthday, by attending the show. Of course, she was dressed in the most beautiful fairy costume, just for the event.
And the audience enthusiastically sang for the girl, offering up, no doubt a precious moment for the child and her family. Depeche Mode are to take to the stage tonight at Malahide Castle. And the band rehearsed last night, causing the show to start a half an hour late.
The audience were in for an additional treat, as we heard snippets of the set thousands of rock fans will get to hear tonight. One of the crew commented at the start of the performance: “Thanks to Depeche Mode for being our support act.”
The audience laughed in response but one couldn’t help wondering if the band might pop in just to catch a bit of this wonderful show during their rest period. This play deserves five stars and whether you are a Shakespeare fan or not, I think most who love theatre will enjoy this version. And there's no better way to introduce children to theatre, than a picnic in the park.
If you want to catch A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the next performance is Sunday, June 18 at All Saints Church, Raheny. The touring show will then be staged at the Irish National Stud in Tully, on Wednesday, June 21 and at Kilmokea Gardens in New Ross on Saturday, June 24. Tickets are available on Seetickets.
Read next:
- Five unique and quirky activities to do in Dublin city this summer
- Depeche Mode at Malahide Castle: How to get there, stage times, setlist and more
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