A Midsummer Night’s Dream

by William Shakespeare
A Midsummer Night’s Dream cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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Paperback • £3.99
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  • ID: 4681
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
britishtheatreguide.info · Unknown · 2025-10-22
delightful 4.00

The reviewer praises the production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream for its clever use of space and the actors' ability to bring the characters to life. They highlight the standout performances and the overall enjoyment of the play, despite some minor criticisms.

The reviewer is impressed by the production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, noting how the actors skillfully bring the characters to life. The clever use of space and the standout performances make the play a delightful experience. While there are some minor criticisms, such as the thin plot, the overall enjoyment of the play is evident. The reviewer appreciates the humor and the way the actors embody their roles, making it a memorable performance.

Quick quotes

    The actors bring the characters to life

    The clever use of space makes the play a delightful experience

    The humor and the way the actors embody their roles make it a memorable performance

tandfonline.com · Unknown · 2025-10-22
brilliant 4.50

The review explores the enduring relevance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, highlighting its themes of love, chaos, and transformation. It delves into the play's comedic elements and its impact on contemporary theatre and culture.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream continues to captivate audiences with its timeless exploration of love, chaos, and transformation. The play's comedic elements, such as the mischievous antics of the fairies and the misunderstandings among the lovers, remain as entertaining as ever. Its themes resonate deeply with contemporary audiences, making it a staple in theatre repertoires worldwide. The review also discusses the play's influence on modern adaptations and its enduring place in literary canon. The intricate weaving of multiple plotlines and the play's ability to blend humor with deeper philosophical questions are particularly praised.

Quick quotes

    The play's enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend humor with deeper philosophical questions.

    Its themes of love, chaos, and transformation remain as relevant today as they were in Shakespeare's time.

    The intricate weaving of multiple plotlines is a testament to Shakespeare's genius.

lotzintranslation.com · Unknown · 2025-10-22
enjoyable 3.50

The reviewer enjoyed the York Shakespeare Project's outdoor production of 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream,' praising its use of the natural setting and clear diction, but found some directorial choices confusing and the performance lacking the imaginative spark of previous productions.

The reviewer appreciated the York Shakespeare Project's outdoor staging of 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream,' particularly how the natural surroundings were utilized and the clarity of the actors' diction. The performance was enjoyable, with standout moments like the lovers' entanglement in a web of ropes and the humorous portrayal of the Mechanicals. However, some directorial decisions, such as the muddy fairies and the fascist-like uniforms of Theseus and his court, were found confusing and unnecessary. The reviewer also noted that while the production was entertaining, it lacked the extra imaginative spark that made previous productions by the same company particularly memorable. Overall, it was an enjoyable evening of theatre, but not exceptional.

Quick quotes

    Outdoor productions of plays like Dream can evoke a tremendous sense of realism, but you can go too far

    This is a very traditional reading of Dream, albeit set in the twenties, but there were a couple of things which I didn't really follow

    All in all, it's an enjoyable evening's theatre (midges apart!) but, I have to say, without that extra imaginative spark which characterised Sarah Punshon's Romeo and Juliet last summer or Ali Borthwick's Two Gentlemen in December.

goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-10-22
intriguing 4.00

The reviewer finds Helena's character intriguing and complex, highlighting her obsession with Demetrius and her behavior towards Hermia and Lysander. They also note the comedic elements of the play, particularly the fairy-related antics.

The reviewer delves into the character of Helena, finding her both fascinating and problematic. They note her obsessive behavior towards Demetrius and her treatment of Hermia and Lysander, which adds depth to the play's dynamics. The comedic elements, especially those involving the fairies, are also highlighted as a significant aspect of the play. The reviewer appreciates the intricate relationships and the humor that Shakespeare weaves into the story, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    That Helena is a bitch.

    I know the big draw for this play is all the fairy goings-on, but upon re-reading/re-listening to it for the umpteenth time, I was more interested in the insane inner workings of Helena's mind.

    Now. Demetrius is determined to marry Hermia even though she obviously loathes him.

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