If you go down to the woods today, you’re sure of a big surprise.

It’s a predictable start to any a review of a play in a forest. But does it apply to theatre company Red Rose Chain

This Ipswich-based ensemble have been putting on consistently resourceful, imaginative and well-received forest productions for years now, and in 2010 they’ve set out to make their mark on Shakespeare’s classic summer romp A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The play itself is something of a folly. The original rom-com. It’s Shakespeare’s most lightweight effort: all farcical misunderstandings, whimsical monologues and even a sprinkling of slapstick. Which basically makes it the perfect choice for an evening of forestry magic.

The Red Rose Chain’s cast of players thoroughly do the material justice. Lead by a literally towering performance from the impressive Edward Day as Bottom (and Demetrius), they navigate the proscribed sharp exchanges, witty musings and confused mutterings, all while giving the compelling physical performances that an unplugged, outdoor production necessitates.

But this is no unimaginative run-through. The company squeeze their own quirky touches into the gaps between pages, such as a banjo-accompanied rendition of pop classic You Are Always on My Mind following the mending of some broken hearts. Freshness is also in evidence in the show’s costume and set design, with clear conceptual themes to each of the three ‘sets’ of characters, such as the frilly, pink Fairies contrasting with the oppressive, black-and-white Athenians. And while the early scenes take place amid sparse staging, as the sun sets and the fairy magic begins to dictate proceedings the play’s charming setting fulfils its potential, with characters performing amongst colourful and beautifully lit trees well beyond the traditional stage backdrop.

The only real shortcomings of the performance are the number of scenes acted close to the ground – meaning considerable difficulties viewing further back without all-tiered seating – and some accents used by the cast feeling like they were perhaps employed out of indulgence rather than any constructive purpose. But these are trivial quibbles, for this is a thoroughly entertaining production.
So why not venture down to the woods? You might get a pleasant surprise.

Review by Andrew Tipp