Having enjoyed previous OVO productions at the Roman Theatre of Verulamium in St Albans, when we were invited along to the press night for A Midsummer Night’s Dream we definitely couldn’t say no. Our expectations were high, and we were not disappointed.

If you think that Shakespeare isn’t for you, think again! This is Shakespeare with a twist. OVO’s modus operandi is to take a classic play, set it in a different location and era (in this instance it’s 1970s Blackburn… of course!), add in some musical interludes using the hits of the time and voila! What’s not to love? Shakespeare that everyone can relate to.

And if you haven’t been to the Roman Outdoor Theatre before you are in for a treat. It’s not just theatre, it’s an experience in a beautiful setting, surrounded by the ruins of the original amphitheatre. The audience capacity is small, making it quite intimate and wherever you sit you’ll feel close to the action. Evening performances are particularly magical as the sun goes down and the stage lights go up.

If you are not familiar with it, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a bit of a mad play anyway, involving four people caught in a sort-of love quadrangle, six actors (or in this case musicians) preparing to put on a performance for a wedding (anniversary in this version), and some meddling fairies who cause all sorts of trouble!

OVO’s production mostly sticks to the original script and language but if that puts you off, please don’t let it. There are lots of modern references thrown in too. It’s imaginative, fun, tongue-in-cheek and high-energy. The choreographed argument scene between the four “frenemies” was particularly good. They must have been exhausted by the end - it was tiring just watching the energy they put into it!

From the outrageous Puck (pictured above) to the lovestruck, serenading Lysander, the fiesty seductress Titiana, the very cool, suave Oberon, and the ABBA-esque band with their fabulous costumes, all the characters were given a new dimension by the talented OVO ensemble. Forget triple threat! They bring the quadruple threat - they can sing, dance, act and play instruments too, with some of the cast performing as the live band! The staging and transitions are simple but cleverly done, transporting you from the Blackburn social club to Fairyland (or Discoland). 

It will have you smiling, laughing and even singing and dancing throughout. And there’s even some audience participation along the way. As well as being a must for anyone who remembers and loves the 70s (or just wishes they did), we’d also definitely recommend it for older children and teens, and there were even some younger audience members enjoying it on the evening we went.

Now for the practical stuff…

• Parking is available at the Verulamium Museum car park, and if you are attending an evening performance it’s free to use after 6.30pm.
• Do dress for the weather! If it’s raining, or rain is likely, you won't be able to use umbrellas so take raincoats, and we’d recommend a towel to sit on and absorb any rain that lands in the chairs. The show will not be cancelled for rain and we have watched some very determined, but wet performers there before! Of course on a sunny day don’t forget the suncream and sun hats - it can get very hot. And in the evening we’d recommend warm layers and blankets as it can get chilly, especially at this time of year.
• You can take your own snacks or even turn up from doors opening and enjoy a picnic while you wait. There is also a small bar with the recent addition of some cafe-style seating (see picture below). It serves soft drinks, alcoholic drinks and ice creams. There are no hot drinks so take a flask if you think you might need something warm.
• Chairs are provided, but they are plastic so we’d advise taking a cushion for extra comfort and warmth. Though another new addition we noted this year was that you can now hire cushions and also blankets for £3 and £5 respectively.
• Programmes were £2.
• All payments are card only - no cash.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is on as part of the Roman Theatre Open Air Festival, which runs until August and features a wide range of different performances by a number of different groups. A Midsummer Night’s Dream itself is on until 11th June and tickets for this and the other shows in the Festival are available at ovo.org.uk.