Shakespeare 4 Kidz - S4K's Dream: Bromley Review (2)

Shakespeare is often a bone of contention. As one of our most illustrious playwrights, should he continually have his work dissected in its original form? Or as society evolves, should his message be modernised (and perhaps simplified) too?

Shakespeare 4 Kidz is undoubtedly more towards the latter ilk, aiming to bring Shakespeare to a wider audience in a format that appeals. And my, have they hit the nail on the head.

This well-oiled machine that regularly churns out a range of the Bard’s stories, clearly understands what is needed to make them accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Shakespeare is revered but in fact, often wrote for the braying masses. Language has evolved to such an extent that although alien to many people, it was in fact the vernacular of its day. He never intended his work to be elitist as it seems to have today.

Enough about history. The play. Fantastic. I won’t give a long list of the cast as this often changes, furthermore I think whoever is onstage that day will give you value for money. A special mention must be made to Puck though, who I think will remain most children’s idea of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As Noel Andrew Harron jumped, laughed and teased his way, ably narrating the complicated storyline and drawing the audience in.

But maybe the best judges would be the children? This is what they had to say:

“I thought A Midsummer Night’s Dream was a great play. My favourite actor in it played ‘Puck’ because he was funny but overall it was fantastic!”
Georgia

“I thought it was great, all the characters made me laugh and I definitely want to see it again.”
Harry

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream was a fantastic performance and I would gladly watch it again and again.”
Anna

“I loved it and I would rate it *****.”
Billy

“I thought it was great that they changed the speech for us to understand.”
Jasmine

“It was a very funny, great play. I can tell that the other people enjoyed it. I also learnt a lot about Shakespeare.”
Liam

“A magically fantastic play. The comedy will make your stomachs ache with laughter. Romance, adventure and comedy all in one.”
Anna

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What they say about us:
S4K MACBETH: "One thing is certain: the children in that audience - and, of course, in all the other audiences S4K play to - will not be scared of Shakespeare or regard it with almost traditional suspicion but will have a memory of a gripping play whcih they enjoyed. And that can only be a good thing!"