By Harry Mottram: The theatre group from Taunton have made their visit to the lawn at Compton House in Axbridge an annual fixture in recent years since there is plenty of room for audience and cast. I’ve seen a couple of their productions over the years in the gardens of the town’s second manor house and they are always enjoyable and well produced in a traditional style. However, judging by their publicity shot of the Rude Mechanicals this version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream gives more than a nod to contemporary dress – so watch out for surprises. Written in 1596 the romantic comedy has been a hit ever since due to its combination of high comedy, romance, folklore, magic and a complex plot that finally resolves the various conflicts in the final scene. There’s the meddling Puck who manages to create havoc with the four lovers Helena, Hermia, Demetrius and Lysander; the Rude Mechanicals – a send up of amateur theatre groups – and the framing plot of Theseus and Hippolyta’s planned wedding as well as the sub plot of Titanian Queen of the Fairies and Oberon – all set in the wood near Athens.
The Taunton Thespians have staged pretty much the entire theatrical cannon over the years since they began life in the 1920s. (https://www.tauntonthespians.co.uk/) So audiences are in good hands with an experienced and a professional standard cast.
Axbridge Community Theatre staged the play in the town hall last year in what was a triumphant five-star modern day ‘festival-themed’ production. Directed by Tony Leach the drama was presented in the round with Portaloos to one side in a backstage setting at a Glastonbury Festival type venue. I’ve seen an urban grunge version in Bristol and a traditional production with elaborate costumes and sparkling fairy lights – and I’m sure the Taunton Thespians will give the drama directed by Bob Corwin a new spin.
The show starts at 7.30pm while the gate opens at 6.30pm – many people make an evening of it by taking a picnic. You will need to bring a chair or a cushion and bag your spot early – and something warm to wear as by the end it can be chilly.
Tickets are available at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on?q=taunton%20thespians
If you miss it there are two more opportunities to see it on Friday 25 July – Cleeve Abbey, Washford; or on Saturday 26 July – Hartwood House, Crowcombe Heathfield.
My review of ACT’s production is at https://www.harrymottram.co.uk/2024/11/21/axbridge-theatre-review-outstanding-performances-in-a-brilliantly-reworked-a-midsummer-nights-dream-fit-for-the-21st-century-in-axbridge-town-hall/
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