Handlebards’ ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ Performance

“What an amazing play! The crowd of Year 7s and 8s gathered in the Bourne Hall, rushing to get the best seats. The house was full and I was lucky to get a seat with my friends. The Handlebards had cycled from their previous performance in Exeter to come here. Over 500 miles (5,000 miles in 3 years!) and yet gave an energetic start.

Four men played all the parts in this whacky, mad and in some ways chaotic version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. They even involved the audience (including my mum and dad!) Even though the plot was complicated and involved many different characters and scenes, the actors managed to perform everything using simple props and costumes.

The four actors were constantly changing their parts, costumes, or sometimes just their voices to tell the story without confusing the audience. For example, they used a three person broomstick in the scene where Bottom wanted to play all the parts in the mechanicals’ play. Bottom then went off stage and there was some mumbling from behind the set. Suddenly Bottom burst back out with a donkey’s head which was made of a bike saddle and some black brake tubing. I marvelled at this and jumped when I saw him!

The set, although basic, was very clever. The backdrop was changed using pulleys powered by a bicycle. Also, they used props to give a suggestion of location and the audience would instantly recognise the scene. For example, in the palace there would be a flag, like an enormous single piece of bunting, hanging off a wall, all in royal shades of red and blue/violet; in the mechanicals’ play, there would be mops and brooms to hint at their working lives.

Each actor played many parts – lovers, fairies, mechanicals. They were extremely funny, adding their own jokes. Overall I did not have a favourite actor; I was too busy laughing – I didn’t have time to really think about it! The audience loved the play and I’m sure they would definitely come again if invited to another of the Handlebards’ performances (I know I would).  I would highly recommend the Handlebards to anyone who wants a good laugh.”

By Samuel Newman 7M