I can’t remember the last time I got the giggles in the theatre but director Emily Lim’s joyful take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream just about undid me. It’s generous, creative and clever, always with an eye to making the audience feel included. With gloriously extravagant costumes (concept by Fly Davis), a set that spontaneously blooms from designer Aldo Vázquez, hearty folk music by Jim Fortune and effervescent comic performances, this is the rarest of things: a Dream the whole family can enjoy. Just cover the kids’ eyes for the slightly naughtier bits.
The Globe is the perfect space for Lim who has spent much of her career folding drama and community together, particularly on the National Theatre’s Public Acts project. The audience interaction elements aren’t just a fun add-on here but a vital part of the show. In fact, we’re so fully integrated into the action that in the closing scenes, one happy spectator – as part of a brilliant running gag – joins Puck on stage for a hand-tying ceremony to spontaneous cheers all round.
