Curtain Up South

In the year of Shakespeare’s 400th anniversary it seems entirely fitting that Winchester Musicals and Opera Society should premier their new musical production of Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Suzanne Hall. The original music, composed by WMOS’ very own musical director Peter Theobald, has folk at it’s heart and really played to the strengths of the company. Under the capable baton of Theobald the chorus singing was excellent. Particularly pleasing was the female chorus of fairies, the delicate nature of the singing and balance of voices was sublime, quite unusual to hear ensemble singing of this caliber in an amateur production. The ensemble scenes were bustling, beautifully choreographed and every face was engaged throughout, although occasionally some members of the chorus had a tendency to chew the scenery somewhat.

Barry McGonagle, Emily Welch, Dan Hickson and Lucy Whiteman made up the comic quartet of spellbound lovers Lysander, Hermia, Demetrius and Helena. Their delivery was effortless and devilishly funny. The dynamic and comic timing of ‘the players’  was excellent and was executed with real gusto, they had the audience howling at their performance of Pyramus and Thisbe. It must be said however, the show really does belong to Peter Lucas as Puck. Not only does he light up the stage with his presence, he sings with confidence and accuracy, executing difficult harmonies with other performers. At such a young age, this young man has a very bright future ahead of him in the performing arts with a beautiful, pure voice and a maturity beyond his years with the delivery of the fiendishly difficult passages of text.

This production is perfect for all the family, packed with great performances and sure to put a smile on your face. Brava Tutti! Plays until Saturday at the Theatre Royal Winchester.

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Elise Fairley