A Midsummer Night's Dream (1986)
By William Shakespeare
Directed by David Conville and Emma Freud from Toby Robertson's 1985 production, this 1986 version of A Midsummer Night's Dream starred some of the most recognisable faces in British theatre including park regular Ralph Fiennes, a 'pale and interesting' (Financial Times) Lysander. Hugh Bonneville launched his career as an alternate Lysander. This 'carefree and aimiable' (The London Standard) production, transported audiences back to an Elizabethan travelling theatre.
The cast
Bernard Bresslaw
Bottom, a Weaver
Ralph Fiennes
Lysander
Hugh Bonneville
Alternate and Understudy Lysander
Diane Fletcher
Hippolyta / Titania
Philip Bowen
Theseus / Oberon
Andrew Collins
Philostrate
Peter Whitbread
Egeus
Beverley Hills
Hermia
Ben Cole
Demetrius
Carolyn Backhouse
Helena
Paul Raffield
Quince, a Carepenter
Glyn Pritchard
Flute, a Bellows Mender
Nicholas Wolff
Starvelling, a Tailor
Robert Merry
Snout, a Tinker
Karl James
Snug, a Joiner
Andrew Collins
Puck
Sue Hodge
First Fairy / Peaseblossom
Donna Wilson
Moth
Janine Wood
Mustardseed
Nicholas Hayley
Musician
Creative team
David Conville
Director
Director
Emma Freud
Set and Costume Designer
Simon Higlett
Costume Designer
Tim Goodchild
Lighting Designer
Ian Callander
Choreographer
Terry John Bates
Music
Gary Yershon
Programmes and Marketing
Reviews
Financial Times
"David Conville and Emma Freud have revived Toby Robertson's production and redeemed the underlying lawksmummery with good nature and some unexpectedly characterful playing..."
Daily Telegraph
"They (the mechanicals) set the house on a roar. No doubt of that."
Sunday Telegraph
"Most vividly realised are the rude mechanicals, with Bernard Bresslaw confirming me in my view that he is now our best Bottom."
The London Standard
"This carefree and aimiable production of A Midsummer Night's Dream...was particularly enchanting because it never took itself too seriously."