A Midsummer Night's Dream (1985) (TV)

User Rating:

7.4/10   

Director:

Celestino Coronada

Writers:

David Brandon (stage production)
Lindsay Kemp (stage production)

Release Date:

February 1985 (UK)

Genre:

Drama | Comedy

Plot Keywords:

Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream | Based On Play

Cast

Lindsay Kemp	...	Puck
Manuela Vargas	...	Hippolyta
Jack Birkett	...	Titania
Michael Matou	...	Oberon
François Testory	...	Changeling AND Snout / Tree
David Meyer	...	Lysander
Neil Caplan	...	Theseus / The Beast
David Brandon	...	Demetrius (as David Haughton)
Annie Huckle	...	Hermia
Cheryl Heazlewood	...	Helena
Attilio Lopez	...	Romeo / Bottom
Christian Michaelson	...	Juliet / Flute
Javier Sanz	...	Starveling / Moon

Also Known As:

Sueño de noche de verano (Spain)

Runtime:

80 min

Country:

UK | Spain

Color:

Color

Company:

Cabochon

Bizarre and unique interpretation of Shakespeare by one of Scotlands best (adopted) artists.

This production of Midsummers Night Dream is very close to my heart, as a fan of Lindsay Kemps artwork and theatre productions I was thrilled to hear that this version of the play existed and nothing short of delighted when i finally managed to track a copy down (taped from television in the mid 1980's).

Kemp co-wrote the script with David Brandon and plays cheeky Puck, the mischievous sprite, but what stands out the most to my mind are the spectacular costumes and stage designs. The set pieces really help to add an air of magic to the play, while the performances themselves are undeniably graceful and poised proving that Director Celestino Coronada has competently handled the shift from stage to screen.

The story remains the same, four lovers, some rude mechanics and a quibble over a young boy by the King and Queen of the forest. The big change is that this is a musical version of Shakespears play and although the songs were written long after the playwrite was dead, his message remains as gently amusing and entertaining as ever.

I highly recommend this production to admirers of Kemps work and fans of the genre. Sadly very few copies exist, but if you find one... watch it! The surreal value and marvellous performances (especially the King and Queen) cannot be denied, every mid-summers night I watch this film with friends and each time it gets better.