Scottish Opera's new production of Britten's A Midsummer Night's Dream has captivated audiences in Glasgow, with audiences and critics alike praising its creativity, astounding music and originality after opening night at Theatre Royal Glasgow earlier this week.
Director Dominic Hill of Glasgow's Citizens Theatre is joined by designer Tom Piper, famed for the Blood Swept Lands and Seas of Red installation at the Tower of London, in reimagining Shakespeare's timeless comedy. The outstanding cast includes Catriona Hewitson, widely praised for her performances in the Company’s recent productions of Così fan tutte and L’elisir d’amore, and David Shipley (Rigoletto 2018), as Bottom. They are both making their role debuts alongside countertenor Lawrence Zazzo as Oberon.
Also in the cast is Scottish tenor and broadcaster Jamie MacDougall (Falstaff 2021); former Scottish Opera Emerging Artist Elgan Llŷr Thomas (Falstaff 2021); Dingle Yandell (Tosca 2019); Jonathan McGovern (The Telephone 2020) and 2021-22 Emerging Artists, Lea Shaw and Glen Cunningham, who both recently toured with Opera Highlights. They are joined by a children’s chorus.
The Herald praised the singing of Charlie Drummond as Helena and Catriona Hewitson as Tytania, and described The Orchestra of Scottish Opera's performance as 'superbly played' under the baton of Scottish Opera Music Director Stuart Stratford.
The Times praised Lawrence Zazzo's 'spine-tingling' performance as Oberon, as well as Dominic Hill's direction of the children's chorus and Puck, played by actor Michael Guest: 'He generates a palpable sense of mischief from the fairies.'
The Stage commented on the outstanding cast, specifically David Shipley's 'vividly sung and expertly crafted' performance as Bottom. They also highlighted the fact that it's nearly two years since this production was due to take place, from its original slot in March 2020: 'It is heartening to see this major collaboration between the Artistic Director of the Citizens Theatre and the forces of Scotland's opera company finally come to fruition.' George Hall also commended Tom Piper's designs, describing them as 'a mesmerising set of visuals, lit with verve and variety by Lizzie Powell.'
Audience members have also recommended the production, with one individual highlighting the talent of the young cast members: 'The performance and production here were outstanding. How on earth the fairies were brought to the amazing standard of professional performance that they produced is difficult to believe. The contribution of Emerging Artists was also worthy of seasoned performers.'
We are delighted to be bringing this long-overdue production to audiences in Glasgow and Edinburgh. There are two more performances in Glasgow on 24 and 26 February, before the production moves to Festival Theatre, Edinburgh for three performances on 1, 3 and 5 March. You can find out more about the production, including how to book tickets, here.
★★★★★ 'stellar performance from Scottish Opera' - The Herald
★★★★★ 'riveting and highly original' - The Scotsman
★★★★★ 'the makings of a classic' - The Stage
★★★★★ 'Scottish Opera gets everything right in this hugely enjoyable production' - Bachtrack
★★★★★ 'This sure-footed production is played with beautifully delineated detail' - The Guardian
★★★★ 'A bewitching staging of high theatricality.' - The Observer
★★★★ - Scotsgay
★★★★ - Arts Review Edinburgh
★★★★ - The Times
★★★★- The Telegraph
A Midsummer Night's Dream is supported by the Alexander Gibson Circle. Find out more about how you could support Scottish Opera here.