The grounds of historic Berkeley Castle proved an exquisite setting for the Chapterhouse Theatre Company's open-air presentation of William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream (Saturday June 19 2004).

The clearing was the perfect backdrop for the performance. Shakespeare would have been hard pushed to find a more desirable setting.

Bill Hughes

The stage was set up in the beautiful grounds at the back of the castle, surrounded by trees.

It is rumoured that Shakespeare wrote the play for the Berkeley family. If that's true, Old Will may have chosen the very setting that we were in.

Perfect backdrop

Certainly the clearing was the perfect backdrop for the performance. He would have been hard pushed to find a more desirable setting.

With the magic of the moment, and the mystical ambience, the thought entered my head that some of the local residents in the audience could well be descendants of the first audience at that very spot!

Particularly impressive

Bottom, played by Andrew Hodges, was particularly impressive, ably supported by the rest of the cast.

I am always left in awe at the flow of words and use of the English language in his plays.

Bill Hughes

We were entertained to a standard that left us still buzzing, caught up with the magical emotions of the night as we left this outstanding natural auditorium.

English language

Shakespeare's work can sometimes be poorly interpreted, and is overworked in some productions. I am always left in awe at the flow of words and use of the English language in his plays.

This production was sympathetically well-worked - light-hearted, funny, entertaining and leaving no doubt as to the Bard's wit.

The Chapterhouse Company advertise further productions in the area in July.

I look forward to the return visits.

Review by Bill Hughes

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