YORK company Not Cricket Productions are setting A Midsummer Night's Dream in Athens, 1927, The Jazz Age, for this week's run of five performances that begin tonight.
On Midsummer's night – two nights ago, as it happens! – lovers Hermia and Lysander flee from the strict laws of the city. Close behind them are Helena and Demetrius. Demetrius follows Hermia for love, Helena chases Demetrius, but in the forest they encounter magic, mischief and mayhem.
Shakespeare's tale of feuding fairies, amateur theatricals and the triumph of love is vividly told with charm, humour and live jazz music in this "fresh, family friendly production" by a young company with a reputation for producing innovative interpretations of classic texts and tales. "We aim to provide high quality entertainment at an affordable price and are fond of unusual locations, madcap schemes and tea," they say.
Kosi Carter as Quince in A Midsummer Night's Dream
Performances are at The Quiet Place, University of York, Heslington, tonight at 7pm; Rowntree Park, York, tomorrow, 7pm; Castle Gardens, Malton, Saturday, 2pm and 7pm, and University Campus, Scarborough, Sunday, 7pm.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream forms part of Not Cricket's spring and summer season, following on from A Tale of Robin Hood in April. In August they will present the premiere of their adaptations of three Jules Verne novels, Jules Verne’s Extraordinary Voyages, and a show for children, The Owl And The Pussycat, at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Tickets for this week's shows cost £6.50 to £8.50 online at simplyspiffing.co.uk
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