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A comedy of magic, mystery and mischief !
A young woman flees Athens with her lover,
only to be pursued by her would-be husband and by her best
friend. Unwittingly, all four find themselves in an enchanted forest where
fairies and sprites soon take an interest in human affairs, dispensing
magical love potions and casting mischievous spells. In this dazzling
comedy
confusion ends in harmony, as love is transformed, misplaced and ultimately
- restored.
This production is relocated and brought to life in the great mystic hippie era of the 1960's, another time of dreams and visions. The psychedelic colours, patterns and costumes of the time complement Shakespeare's wonderful text to create an enchanted atmosphere allowing this great story to enthral and entertain.
In a break from tradition St Nicolas Players took this production to Ayscoughfee Hall's South Lawn, later in the year, for a 2 night run. Toward the end of June, at midsummer appropriately enough, the beautiful and atmospheric gardens of this historic old house provided a near perfect location for this very "alfresco" story. As a piece of outdoor theatre it worked brilliantly well, the cast and crew clearly enjoying making the most of the opportunity. Despite a little rain the audiences were very vocal in their appreciation of 2 fine performances. Our grateful thanks to all the staff at Ayscoughfee Hall for their cooperation and help.
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"Lovers and madmen have such seething brains, such shaping fantasies, that apprehend more than cool reason ever comprehends" |
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Shakespeare |
| A word from the Director |
| (reproduced from the performance programme) |
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I fell in love with
Shakespeare when I was at school and I loved the intricacy
of the words and phrases. I didn't necessarily understand
it, but I had a wonderful English Literature teacher who
made it all come to life. Over the years I have watched many
different versions of various plays, on stage and film, and
have gradually come to realise that quite a lot of it now
makes sense! When we were looking
for a production for the this spring I tentatively suggested
Shakespeare and the committee began to show interest. Having
tackled "Murder in the Cathedral" last year it was felt that
we were ready It was a whimsy to set it in the 1960's, but it just seemed to fit. Unfortunately, I can remember the 60's all too well, but since they say if you remember the 60's you weren't there perhaps I shouldn't admit to it! What I will say is that I was very young and missed out on a lot of things I didn't know about till later, but I still had a lot of fun. Talking of fun, that's
what this production has been. The cast have thrown
themselves (quite literally in some cases!) into it with
gusto and I have just loved watching it taking on a life of
it's own. Everyone -
So, here we are, bringing my dream (or Dream) to life. I love it when a plan comes together.... Arline Evenden |
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The set of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" with the Tree Fairy and Puck (Lucy Allen and Daisy Anne Ivatt) exchanging pleasantries |
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CAST OF ST NICOLAS PLAYERS |
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PRODUCTION TEAM |
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| Director | Arline Evenden | |
| Producer | Angela Davis
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| Stage Manager | Steve Underwood | |
| Deputy Stage Manager | Hannah Gray | |
| Production Assistant | Trixie Bennett | |
| Set Design and Construction | Arline Evenden, Steve Underwood, Mick Gray | |
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& John Wright | |
| Props | Lucy Turner & Tui Girdlestone | |
| Tree Design | Anna Kingman & Marilyn Morris | |
| Costumes | Angela Davis | |
| Publicity | Philip Bosworth | |
| Stage Crew | Mick Gray, Fiona Gray, Janet Staples | |
| Lighting/Sound | Steve Underwood | |
| Make up | Andy Donley | |
| Chaperone | Kate Goodliffe | |
| Photographs | Tom Millard, Alicia Tibbs | |
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Some of The Crew – without whom, none of this would be possible.
Top row -Steve Underwood, Mick Gray, Arline Evenden, Hannah Gray, Trixie Bennett Bottom row - Janet Staples, Angela Davis, Philip Bosworth, Kate Goodliffe, Fiona Gray. |
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St. Nics would also like to thank:- |
| Karl Gernert & Act II |
| SADOS |
| Richard Evenden |
| The Staff at the South Holland Centre |
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The Staff at Ayscoughfee Hall |
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Bridget Skansky-Sutch, of Oasby Players |
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Friends and Supporters of St Nics |
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Alicia Tibbs - "Helena" Click the picture for an interview with one of St Nics newest young members |
Please click here to read the great reviews.....
Don't forget to have a look at the rest of the "Midsummer Night's Dream" photos in our Photo Gallery
