Rupert discovers there's Goold in the bard with new touring production of A Midsummer Night's Dream
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A new touring production of A Midsummer Night's Dream set in a film studio quotes Popeye's "Spinach Song", a snippet of Bellini's "Casta Diva" and The Clovers' "Love Potion No 9".
Shakespeare's 'rude mechanicals' are the film crew, making Where the Wild Thyme Blows, bossed about by a tetchy producer called Robin 'Puck' Goodfellow, while the four lovers double not as fairies in the forest but as cowboys and native Americans on the back lot. Bottom is a soundman and Peter Quince a frustrated screenwriter.
You might not be surprised to learn that the man behind this production (though not its director) is Rupert Goold, responsible for such high concept Shakespearean re-treads as The Tempest raging in the Arctic wastes and Macbeth causing havoc in a Stalinist abattoir (both starring Patrick Stewart), not to mention Enron.
Goold's Headlong, which he formed five years ago, is one of the jewels of regional theatre at the very moment when many of its venues are under threat from both artistic lethargy and the impending Arts Council cuts.
The new Dream, which opened last week at the Nuffield Theatre, is audaciously directed by Natalie Abrahami, joint artistic director of London's tiny Gate Theatre.
'A Midsummer Night's Dream', until 2 April, UK tour (headlongtheatre.co.uk)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments