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 Half lion, half Pyramus: Bottom (Alan Knight) experiences a slight wardobe malfunction.
You know, actual actors, local cast, that sort of thing- the kind of experience that forces you to actually get enthusiastic about what you are seeing. A Midsummer Night's Dream, performed by Rogues and Vagabonds, is an ideal example of a worthwhile show. The performances, especially by the younger cast members, were very impressive and frequently had the audience in stitches for reasons that need to be seen... This show is certainly not one of Mr Shakespeare's heaviest productions, which is not a bad thing since it is straightforward and fun to watch. The assorted local cast demonstrated both talent and enthusiasm in spite of the limiting confines of the Rocky Bay Hall, and pulled off a stirling job in bringing each scene to life. By the second act the cast were really boiling along- with the conflict between Lysander (Alex Duncan) Hermia (Hannah Blumhardt) Demetrius (Cory Martin) and Helena (Rebekah Tysoe) reaching such extremes of emotional turmoil that it was hard to tell if they were acting, seemingly becoming totally immersed in their character's roles. And then there were the costumes. Yes. Very cool fairy outfits, mainly black, quasi-goth look with shades of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Memorable outfits included Lysanders' Pink Floyd shirt and trenchcoat. Bottom's white gumboots. Oberon's piercings. And the live dog that was so well behaved I thought it was stuffed.
Of course one of the most memorable moments in the show had to be Nick Bottom's death scene that Alan Knight played with obvious and almost agonising relish, to howls of approval from the audience... In short, Rogues and Vagabonds are a talented bunch, and A Midsummer Nights Dream is a very enjoyable romp well worth seeing
Matthew Muir. 30 January 2007
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