Reviewed by Beth
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review
Forget everything you know about your Shakespeare from school; Lichfield Garrick’s brand new production of The Pocket Dream brings the bard to life for a new generation in a way you’ve never seen it before. Expect guaranteed belly-laughs and a surprise at every turn as we adventure through A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the ‘David Garrick Strolling Players’ theatre company.
 |
| Photo by Pamela Raith Photography |
This is a must-see for fans of Shakespeare, Shakespeare novices and fans of comedy theatre such as The Play That Goes Wrong alike. Written by acclaimed TV writer Elly Brewer (Tracey Beaker, The Dumping Ground) and Sandi
Toksvig of QI and The Great British Bake Off fame, A Pocket Dream tells the story of a local to Lichfield theatre company who are putting on a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. However, when disaster strikes and the majority of the company flee to the pub across the road, it is down to the remaining actors, a hands-on company manager and a rather desperate front of house manager to ensure that the show does go on. Throw in an ex-boyfriend and a rather enthusiastic tech and stage hand and … well, what could possibly go wrong? We see surprise and hilarity unfold at every scene change, be it a falling set piece, a hilarious accent, costume or facial expression or even a bit of audience participation, but this show goes beyond simple slapstick humour and has the audience awaiting with baited breath and desperate to see the company succeed in their endeavour to complete the show.
Toksvig of QI and The Great British Bake Off fame, A Pocket Dream tells the story of a local to Lichfield theatre company who are putting on a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. However, when disaster strikes and the majority of the company flee to the pub across the road, it is down to the remaining actors, a hands-on company manager and a rather desperate front of house manager to ensure that the show does go on. Throw in an ex-boyfriend and a rather enthusiastic tech and stage hand and … well, what could possibly go wrong? We see surprise and hilarity unfold at every scene change, be it a falling set piece, a hilarious accent, costume or facial expression or even a bit of audience participation, but this show goes beyond simple slapstick humour and has the audience awaiting with baited breath and desperate to see the company succeed in their endeavour to complete the show.
For me, the writing of this show was an absolute dream. I am a self-confessed Shakespeare fangirl, and what struck me throughout the show was the absolute adherence to the original source material in the moments that counted. Every famous line from Midsummer was delivered and both the writers and acting company clearly had a deep respect for the original play. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is notoriously complex, with its play within a play format, and adding a third dimension to this and actors playing multiple roles only served to further emphasise the confusion and ridiculousness of the original script, with the company players mirroring at times the ‘mechanicals’ putting on the play in the source material.
 |
| Photo by Pamela Raith Photography |
Lines from the play were cleverly weaved into the new over arching plot, including famous lines such as ‘though she be but little, she is fierce.’ Every character was three-dimensional and incredible likeable and I found myself rooting for them more and more as the performance went on. The play was able to poke fun at Shakespeare in a way that was playful and self-aware without appearing overly critical with a perfect balance of new story and original hilarity. It is also easy to compare this production to famous shows such as those by the Mischief Theatre Company like The Play That Goes Wrong, but whilst this does follow a similar format, it is fantastic to see that neither are a carbon copy of each other. Yes, they both contain perfectly timed physical comedy and brilliant one liners, but whilst one sees a production getting more and more chaotic by the moment, this sees actors and performers coming together by the end of Act 2 to see and celebrate success.
If the script and set design aren’t already enough, the performances in this production are absolutely outstanding, with all actors playing multiple characters within the meta-theatrical structure, Audience may recognise Arthur Bostrom of Allo Allo fame, who brings brilliant comic timing and use of voice without relying on the fame of previous TV roles. Joe Feeney plays our lead actress’ ex-boyfriend amongst other roles, who finds himself dragged into the production against his will. Feeney is an instant hit with the audience, interacting directly with us in key moments in the show whilst bringing some fantastic physical comedy at others.
Tricia Adele- Turner is our ‘serious thespian’ actress, mortified at the motley crew she has been presented with.
Her use of different accents to portray different characters had the entire audience in stitches from the very first scene. Also performing was previous RSC actress Sarah Twomey who for me was the glue holding the entire production together. She gave worried stage manager when needed as well as delivering Shakespearean dialogue with perfection as Puck, all while on high wires! Simply insane, in the best way!
Her use of different accents to portray different characters had the entire audience in stitches from the very first scene. Also performing was previous RSC actress Sarah Twomey who for me was the glue holding the entire production together. She gave worried stage manager when needed as well as delivering Shakespearean dialogue with perfection as Puck, all while on high wires! Simply insane, in the best way!
 |
| Photo by Pamela Raith Photography |
Completing the cast are Ben Thornton and Sam Rabone of Lichfield Garrick Pantomime fame (a wonderful personal tradition of mine to attend each year)! These two are notorious for their wonderful chemistry, perfect comic timing and audience interactions and did not disappoint. However, the pair did not rest on their pantomime laurels and brought new flair to their performance alongside subtle nods to their Panto tradition. There truly was no weak link in this cast, with each working perfectly together alongside the wonderful tech crew (who do get their own special mention in the show!) to create the perfect performance. A special shout out too to the team of fairy dancers throughout the show!
Truly, this is a magical night of theatre that is not to be missed. You are guaranteed to leave the theatre with a huge smile on your face, even if you don’t quite follow the crazy plot at times! I just know that the bard himself would be giving a standing ovation!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Pocket Dream was originally performed in 1991 but is currently performing at Lichfield Garrick
until Saturday 3rd May. Tickets are available from https://www.lichfieldgarrick.com/events/the-pocket-dream. I certainly hope that this will not be the last we see of this wonderful production.
 |
| Photo by Pamela Raith Photography |
Post a Comment