Intermission Youth Theatre (IYT) has put on a unique adaptation of one of Shakespeare’s much-loved plays, A Midsummer’s Night Dream.
MSND is a retelling of the Shakespearean classic with a contemporary twist. The show begins with the audience learning about the new drug on the block called ‘MSND’. Once taken, it is believed to grant the ability to speak Shakespeare’s text. Although it is a reimagining, the production stays true to the original story.
Puck, one of the fairies, begins using MSND to interfere with the human characters leading to confusion, conflict, and chaos! Various plots are cleverly interlinked as we watch the impact the drug has on the character’s relationships and events. I appreciated that the script uses a blend of Middle English and modern-day London speech. Our characters passionately recite classic lines from the playwright’s other famous literature, which fits nicely with the storyline.
The cast are very enthusiastic and incredibly funny! The delivery of lines (and the occasional adlibs) feels natural. Their comedic timing impressed me too, with several laugh-out-loud moments. Oberon (Christopher Mbaki) and Puck (Tane Armachie Siah) stood out for their wonderful chemistry. In addition, I enjoyed the dialogue between the two characters, as they questioned the meaning of their friendship. It was such a nice balance to see the actors go from the jokers to a more sensitive side. Despite Puck’s constant meddling with the humans, we couldn’t help but smile whenever they entered the scene. Whether that was through dancing or interacting with the audience, their stage presence certainly lit up the space.
On the topic of lights, designer Julian McCready executed the lighting wonderfully, with soft pink lighting indicating the moments our characters were in an ‘MSND trance’. Which was perfectly-timed with the dialogue. I did wish that the music transitions were as smooth; in some cases, the music began or ended abruptly. Nonetheless, the musical choices had me dancing in my seat. I never thought I’d hear Afrobeats, Grime and Noughties R&B in a Shakespeare play – but it worked!
The comedy picked up in Act Two, as we had more dance routines and audience interaction. Some of the cast’s positioning could have been neater, however, as the show went on, I liked how they made use of the entire space. Delyth Evan’s set blends elements of a forest and a playground, with leaves along a brick wall, colourful wooden posts and blocks, that the actors use to move across the stage.
A subtle but significant choice to use this story to highlight substance misuse and its impact. Whether that was a loss of friendship or a relationship breakdown, as the story went on, we see this was all a result of Puck’s ‘MSND’ interference.
Overall, ‘MSND’ is a brilliant, unique interpretation of a classic play. This young cast has such infectious energy and talent shone amongst them all. I cannot wait to see what they do next!
The charity, Intermission Youth, helps transform the lives of disadvantaged young people through drama. The work that IYT is doing is admirable. If you’re like me, unfamiliar with Shakespeare’s works, go and check this production out!
{🎟 AD – PR invite – Tickets were gifted in exchange for an honest review}
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