Last night (July 14) was a perfect evening to watch an open air performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream at Eastville Park Swimming Pool. The clear blue sky and birds flying overhead added to the atmosphere which was enhanced by the sun setting part way through the play on what was a warm summer’s evening.
The architecture of the old swimming pool easily doubled up as an amphitheatre. The actors were popping out of every obscure corner and at times inches away from the audience which gave the play a more intimate feel than a traditional theatre production.
The natural environment adds to the imagery and scenery, a wild rosemary bush gives actors a place to hide. According to folklore the herb is associated with the fidelity of lovers, making it highly relevant to the plot of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy.
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The confusion, conflict and agony from the tale of unrequited love and star-crossed lovers between Demetrius, Hermia, Lysander and Helena is often highly comical especially after the fairy’s spell. The role of Lysander being a woman creates a plot twist with the lesbian relationship being rejected by one of the parents.
However, it is not obvious if the adaptation is set in modern times or not because the clues are subtle, like when Puck arrives on stage with a can of drink in his hand. The clothing is basic and at times many of the characters are indistinguishable from members of the public in their appearance.
With most actors playing two parts it can be confusing at times, especially for anyone who is not familiar with the play. It would have been helpful if the costumes were more distinctive.
Helena’s character (Elizabeth Crarer) is particularly engaging and Puck’s (Euan Shanahan) monologues felt real. The performances of actors Dan Wheeler (Theseus/Oberon) and Alan Devaly (Bottom) were particularly impressive given they only had 24 hours to rehearse after the two Covid cases among original cast members.
The music and lighting is weaved into the story well and the neon lights give the show some colour. The singing at the start and end of the play helps to lift the mood and create an enchanted ambience.
The play was directed by Hannah Drake who was trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre where she won the Elsa Roberts Prize for Directing. Alongside producer; Justine Palmer, Ms Drake founded Insane Root Theatre .
The Bristol-based theatre charity performs plays at interesting outdoor locations. Last year they put on Hansel and Gretel at Arnos Vale Cemetery and their legacy company performed Romeo and Juliet at Eastville Park Swimming Pool in 2018 so it’s a location that has been tried and tested.
The theatre company almost folded during the pandemic so ended up becoming a new charitable organisation in 2020. You get the impression that the budget may be tight when audience members who’ve paid up to £22 for a ticket are asked to pay an extra 50p to rent a cushion.
Sitting on the small concrete steps for almost two hours without any interval may be challenging for some. There are a very limited number of chairs at the back and the venue is said to be wheelchair accessible.
Audience members were asked to arrive 15 minutes before the starting time and some enjoyed a picnic in the park before the show. There is a small bar with free water and alcoholic drinks starting from £4 and a stall where badges and simple headdresses can be bought.
The concessionary tickets that were offered at £12.50 to those living within a mile of the location and the limited seating capacity meant that the car park had plenty of spaces when we arrived at 8pm.
Audience members are advised to arrive prepared for the weather but should not use umbrellas. The open air performance will not be cancelled in the event of rain so long as weather conditions are deemed safe.
Performances of A Midsummer Night’s dream at Eastville Park Swimming pool will take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm and Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 6pm and 8.30pm. The show will continue until August 20, you can find more information here and book tickets here .
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