There are sometimes, when you just want to feel that wee bit cultured. And the bard never disappoints. Having not read this work, I rocked up to this play with apprehension.

First of all, I never expected this thing to be so damn good. Having never been to a night time matinee outdoor play, I did not know what to expect at all. The surroundings of the Royal Botanic Gardens were perfect with the observatory making the perfect back drop.

For those that don’t know the story, worry not! Here is a succinct plot (thanks to Wikipedia)

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a comedy play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1596. It portrays the events surrounding the marriage of the Duke of Athens, Theseus, and Hippolyta. These include the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of six amateur actors, who are controlled and manipulated by the fairies who inhabit the forest in which most of the play is set.

It had me in stitches most of the night (that’s Aussie slang for laughing) and even when the actors did mess up, the way they covered it up with such humour ensured that everyone remembered all parts of it. Besides… there were impromptu audience participation, so you never know… you just might steal the show.

Where: Royal Botanical Gardens (Observatory Entrance)
When: Evening shows – please check out their website for further details www.shakespeareaustralia.com.au
Runs until: March 15 2014
Cost: Adult $35
I rate it: 4/5 stars – definitely a worthwhile show!

Image courtesy of C. Valencia.