Review of Shakespeare in Hollywood at Ilkley Playhouse

By Patrick McGuckin

Ken Ludwig’s play is set in the glamour of 1930s Hollywood. The quirky premise is that the ‘real’ Puck and Oberon materialise on the set of a Warner Bros. production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream which our narrator informs us is by Will-i-am Shakespeare. The play is scattered with such one liners which link together the threads of the story.

The play is exceptionally well crafted. I loved the weaving of familiar Shakespearean lines into the narrative. I loved the mischief that the simple devise of the flower which makes people fall in love with the first person they see once they are awaken from their slumbers can make in a new setting.

I went on the first night. There were a few teething problems with the set which amused the audience. There were also a few Yorkshire accents detectable under the veneer of the American drawls. The costumes were of the usual high standard delivered at the Ilkley Playhouse. Puck’s woodland themed outfit in particular was inspired. Jessica Foster rocked those sycamore leaf shoes! She also provides comic set pieces as the woodland imp.

The best performance of the night was by Lee Russell who played Oberon. He had the most dialogue and the most complex lines. His demeanour, posture and delivery made for a convincing performance. This actor also gave one of the standout performances in the recent production of Death of a Salesman. He brought an authoritative presence to both roles. The similarity of the roles is Russell’s ability to convey an underlying power within the character which could erupt into fury at any moment.

Another notable performance was given by Sophie Milnes as the actress Olivia who finds herself falling, without the need for a love spell, for Oberon. Milnes’ accent never waivered as she played one of the central characters with a skilful presentation.

Damien O’Keeffe played the part of a censor and brought a genuine level of dastardly comedy to the villainous character which the audience responded to. He delivered physical farce in the tradition of British theatre.

The play itself remains the star. There are even appearances by Tarzan, Groucho Marx and John Wayne. The story has some element of truth. The four Warner Brothers did make a movie in 1935 of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. I enjoyed the way Ludwig imagines what may have happened on set.

The play brings to an end what has been a great season of productions at the Ilkley Playhouse. The standards of creativity, set design, costume, lighting and acting throughout a varied programme of plays has been a delight to enjoy. I can’t wait for the new season to start.

At Ilkley Playhouse until Saturday, July 19. For tickets contact the box office on 01943 609539 or visit www.ilkleyplayhouse.co.uk