First reviews for A Midsummer Night's Dream!

The show only opened last night (June 27th) and we have had fantastic reviews from The Express and Star and The Birmingham Mail.

Here's what they had to say:

The Express and Star:

"The setting was stunning, the atmosphere a frolic, and the summer? Distinctly British. But don't let that last misdemeanour put you off. Under bright moonlight and more than a dash of drizzle, A Midsummer Night's Dream brought roars of laughter to the normally tranquil setting of Stafford Castle.

Now in it's 23rd year, the Stafford Festival Shakespeare production has seen its popularity soar in recent years. And the fine Athenian cast lived up to the billing by delighting the sell-out crowd on opening night yesterday.

Without a doubt former Corrie star Eric Potts stole the show with his portrayal of the loveable oaf Bottom. His larger than life personality dominated the stage, provoking smiles and laugh out louds moments throughout. Flanked by Phylip, James Haggie, Anthony Hunt, and Paul Kissau as the calamitous collection of Thespians, the comedic collective brought the farce and magic of Monty Python to this classic.

There was a good pace to this performance, provided by fine flourishes of acting, interspersed with song and beautifully  played out prose. Eamonn O'Dwyer as Demetrius and Craig Fletcher as Lysander made for a solid sparring partnership, equally as did the talented Georgina White, Helena, and Jennifer Greenwood, Hermia. Pint-sized Lanre Malaolu  as the mischief maker Puck was another crowd favourite. The production was accessible, entertaining, and enjoyable."

The Birmingham Mail:

"As temperatures plunged and gloomy skies deposited persistently heavy drizzle, midsummer did indeed seem like a dream. But fans of the Bard who braved the elements to climb to the base of Stafford Castle for the opening night of the town’s annual open air Shakespeare production were rewarded with a comic treat that triumphed over the elements.

 The council-sponsored event, which has been a big draw for Midlanders since 1991, is one of the town’s cultural highlights of the year and has built up a reputation for putting a popularist spin on Shakespeare’s works to make them accessible to a wide audience.

 This year’s offering is no exception, thanks in no small part to Eric Potts. The roly-poly actor, best remembered for his role as baker Diggory Compton in Coronation Street, gives a masterclasss in comic delivery. His facial expressions, jokey asides and sheer mischievousness make his Bottom a joy to behold!

 Director Peter Rowe allows plenty of scope for comic buffoonery by giving the mechanicals’ musical playlet a somewhat enhanced role, with the playful Potts taking full advantage to steal the show.

 There are some stirring performances elsewhere, too, not least by Georgina White whose feisty rantings make her a particularly strong Helena.

 While the whole of the audience is undercover, the cast has to deal with whatever the heavens throw at them – and for several that means lying around on sodden fake grassy banks for long periods.

 But there’s definitely nothing sodden or soggy about this laughter-packed production. "

We'll continue to post more reviews as they come in!