REVIEW:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Southwark Playhouse
Three Words To Describe it: Whimsical, Playful, Magical
Similar To: Matilda meets The Play That Goes Wrong
Best Thing: The cast’s childlike energy – turning Shakespeare into a game of make-believe that’s as funny as it is charming.
Watch if you feel like: Laughing, being charmed, and rediscovering the joy of childhood storytelling.
How the audience reacted: Schoolchildren giggled at the slapstick and adults laughed knowingly at the witty asides. The energy in the room was buzzing throughout, with a big cheer at the final bow.
If I could change one thing: Some of the busier staging moments were a little distracting – a touch less clutter might have helped the magic shine even brighter.
Lighting: Clever and atmospheric, used not just for mood but for comedy – particularly the playful touches with Puck’s mischief.
Set/Costume: Georgie White’s playroom design is a feast of detail – rocking horses, dollhouses, and pianos all ingeniously transformed into fairy props. Costumes double up from tablecloths to cloaks, perfectly capturing the DIY spirit of childhood imagination.
Acting: No weak links. Dewi Wykes sparkles as a mischievous Puck, Daisy Ann Fletcher delights with bossy charm, and Fintan Hayeck milks every laugh as Bottom. Each performer balances Shakespearean wit with youthful exuberance.
Writing: Toby Hulse’s adaptation is the production’s real magic trick – trimming and reshaping the play into an 80-minute burst of clarity, comedy, and charm. The added bickering between “children” keeps it accessible without losing Shakespeare’s heart.
Directing: Hulse nails the balance between faithful Shakespeare and accessible theatre. The pacing is brisk, the comedy lands, and the meta-theatrical framing never feels forced.
Overall: A joyful, inventive reimagining that makes Shakespeare feel brand new. It’s as engaging for eight-year-olds as it is for seasoned theatregoers, with a warmth and playfulness that lingers long after you leave the theatre.
My review in emojis: ✨😂🧚♂️🐴
Diamond Rating: 💎💎💎💎
Runs until: 27 September
Tickets can be bought at: Southwark Playhouse Website
Reviewed by: Bridget Whitford