Dream On

21st March, 2011

The Seniors’ production of 'Dream On' was performed to packed houses last Friday and Saturday evenings and more than lived up to the high standard of school plays set over previous years. Based on 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream', this was the first Packwood senior play directed by Richard Cowley and his personal enthusiasm and great talent for humour shine through the production. Along with co-director, Rachael Downey, and his other assistants he has truly brought out the best in a large, multi-talented cast.

The play opens with Duke Theseus and Hippolyta (confidently played by the richly costumed Ollie Tennant and Harriet Bibby) planning the entertainment for their wedding – a job charged to their servant, Philostrate (a part to which Jess Clarke brought great comic timing). Philostrate unearths a troupe of actors who are blissfully unaware of their woeful lack of talent. These five – Bottom, Quince, Flute, Starveling and Snug, collectively the Rude Mechanicals – provide numerous comic moments throughout the play. The weddings of Lysander and Hermia (Harry Schofield and Antonia Brine) and Demetrius and Helena (Leo Sartain and Charlotte Dixon) are planned for the same day...but some Midsummer mischief ensues that almost derails their arrangements.

Enter the Fairies. Titania (beautifully played by Ella Downey) is being pursued relentlessly by Robert Waterhouse as Oberon, King of the Fairies – partly for love, partly in an effort to persuade her to allow him access to the services of her accountant. In a voice dripping with disdain, Titania spurns Oberon’s advances, but this only makes him more determined. He turns to the impish Puck for help – a wonderfully wicked and subversive character brought to life brilliantly by Ed Stubbs in black leotard and fluorescent green wig.

Puck creates mayhem both accidentally, by causing the wrong people to fall in love and, deliberately, by endowing Bottom with the head of a donkey and magically making him the object of Titania’s affections. After much confusion, misunderstanding, fighting – and amusement – the situation is resolved by Oberon and Puck and the weddings finally take place. The Rude Mechanicals’ entertainment is predictably terrible and hilarious. Fergus Connolly’s over-acting is wonderful and spectacularly self-important. Will Bayliss, Felix Thomas-Davis and Chan Kathuria all play their parts brilliantly and with great comic timing – and Stamos Fearnall gives a magnificent, scene-stealing performance as the hilariously miscast heroine of their play. Never has a boy been more proud of his red, velour dress and fake bosom!

There are songs and music throughout the play and special mention must be made of some superb, confident singing, notably from Charlotte Dixon, Ella Downey, Fergus Connolly and Antonia Brine. It is daunting enough to remember lines and stage directions but to deliver songs so beautifully as well reveals in all of them true theatrical talent.

The large supporting cast of fairies, courtiers, mafioso and the chorus (comprising all in Form 3) were all invaluable components contributing hugely to the whole spectacle.  Music was expertly directed by Sarah Boutwood and the play was enhanced, as ever, by the ever-resourceful Mrs Jones’ fantastic costumes and the spectacular scenery created by Sir Anthony, Mr Dougan and Mrs Nogues.  Many more helped behind the scenes and all deserve credit for their part in creating such a magnificent production.