Ashcroft Theatre, Croydon
Shakespeare 4 Kidz A Midsummer Night's Dream

There are countless ways of performing Shakespeare plays, and A Midsummer Night's Dream tends to attract more ingenious interpretations than most.

But when it comes to streamlining the plot to make it easy to understand, and playing up the funny business there is nobody to beat the Shakespeare 4 Kidz company.

The Bard get a bit of help from Julian Chenery (book, lyrics and direction) and Matt Gimblett (music and lyrics) to make these shows a must for anyone who wants a painless introduction to the world's greatest playwright.

Shakespeare 4 Kidz knows exactly how to demystify the Bard without losing his magic. They wipe the slate clean, get down to the nitty-gritty of the story and give everyone access to these great stories.

Modern dialogue is sprinkled with just enough of the original text to keep the authentic flavour. There are some bouncy musical numbers, and the characters are clearly defined.

Ben Langley is the darling of a strong cast, warming up the audience and launching himself wholeheartedly into the role of the impish sprite Puck. He's a natural comic and having earned an honest crust as a Covent Garden street entertainer. throws in some juggling and magic for good measure.

The workmen can always be relied upon to provide plenty of laughs and this bunch have a riotous time with the Pyramus and Thisbe episode. Mark Lyminster's Bottom, in his hysterical death throes, owes some of his success to Frankie Howerd.

Paul Taylor and Lisa Williams double as Theseus/Hippolyta and Oberon/Titania and are especially effective as the feuding fairies.

Lighting helps create the magical atmosphere and I loved the "trees" bedecked with fairy lights.

Two roles which can fail to make an impact because they are not different enough are Demetrius and Lysander. Not so here. There's no mistaking the former (Matthew Harper), Brummie accent, breastplate, tunic and preening ways, with the latter (David McClelland) with his effeminate prancing.

Delightful baby fairies and the changeling boy are provided by Stagecoach Theatre Arts.

* This production will be at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley, on December 2 and 3. Box office 020 8460 6677.

* Next production on the Shakespeare 4 Kidz repertoire will be The Tempest
 
Diana Eccleston