THEATRE REVIEW: A Midsummer Night's Dream ★★★★

A Midsummer Night's Dream
The Globe Theatre, London

Before I get on to the review of the play, I would like to write a brief segment all about The Globe. When we came to London back in January this year, we visited The Globe Theatre for a tour. The original Globe Theatre was constructed back in 1599, but got burnt though, luckily no one dying, just one mans trousers catching on fire. Since then two more theatres has been built on the blueprints from the original, exactly to size as archeologists believe is correct right down to the same materials.

The Globe we went to go and watch 'Midsummer Nights Dream' was the third structure. One massive difference from most theatres in the world is this is an open top theatre, which means distractions from planes and other air traffic is bound to happen. and also there is a 'Open Ground' for audience to stand in front and to the sides of the stage. Back in the 16th century, people who used to stand were known as 'Groundlings' and had to pay One Penny, though today we had to pay £5, which was good value for money in my opinion.

A final thing about The Globe is that its set in a near round, which means that no matter where an actor would stand, they would always be seen somehow by an audience member, and this can also be a benefit for the projection of the actor, as the sound instantly resonates around the walls and into the space. 

Now onto the review of the show. If you took away the fact that we had to stand for the performance, the show as a whole was brilliant, and felt like you were getting as new experience. The acting as a whole from the company was very strong, playing off each others words, and kept the audience engaged throughout, even when having to cope with the heat all the way through.  

The Balance between the more serious parts and the comedic parts were handled perfectly and I think this was another reason why the show kept the audience entertained. The plot also moved smoothly throughout, though I do feel that act one may have dragged a little bit, having known the short one hour version already, some parts could of slightly touched on and then to have been left, in my opinion.  

Another down side also was the fact that most of play was performed near the front of the stage and so sometimes people on the sides would of got restricted viewing, though the sound and projection was carried though at these points and so made up for the lack of viewing. 

One thing I had not expected though coming to watch this was the use of music and dancing done by all. It was a nice addition to the show and the music made you feel that you were back into the Elizabethan period that the play is set.

Overall, a brilliant introduction to watching a show at The Globe and hopefully this will be the first of many visits, though next time I think I might chose a seating option.