Side by Side Theatre Group return to the Fringe for the third time with a new take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, written by Susan Wallin. The award-winning group from Stourbridge in the Midlands gives people with learning difficulties the opportunity to become involved in cultural life and reach out to a wider audience through the performing arts.
The action begins with Astria and Richie, celebrities planning their wedding, until they are interrupted by Astria’s Aunt Molly, whose daughter is refusing to marry the wealthy William. However, Amelia is in love with Elliot, while her friend Bryony is in love with William, who he has set his sights on Amelia. Elliot and Amelia run away to the woods, and William and Bryony follow. A group of local workers also appear, rehearsing a play to perform at the wedding celebrations.
Down the in woods though, strange things are afoot. It is in these woodland and dream sequences that the production shines. All of the dance sequences are well choreographed, and work with the actors capabilities. In particular the face off between rival fairies is very entertaining. The workers rehearsals are very funny, the policeman, milkman and postman particularly entertaining. The cast all throw themselves into their roles and the production maintains momentum throughout.
There were a couple of small technical hitches, which were probably due this being the first showing. It is inspiring to see these talented actors and if you are looking for an alternative morning show to Shakespeare for Breakfast you could do a lot worse than drop in to Augustine’s for We Are the Dreamers.
[Kathryn Mack]
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