Last week whilst browsing on social media I was lucky enough to come across a blogger invite to the press night of the Curve's young company and community production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Nick Winston:
I've only been to the Curve once before, a long time ago, and I'd actually forgotten how awesome it is there. It's beautiful from the outside:
And then almost Industrial inside and set out over 3 floors:
What I like about it most though is the actual theatre. There are no bad seats, enough leg room and enough room in the seats for a rather large bottom like mine. As a regular theatre goer, let me tell you that this is almost unheard of. I think the Curve may be my new favourite place!!
Now I'm a real Musicals kinda gal so I wasn't sure how well my uneducated brain would get on with a bit of Shakespeare especially when it was billed as "A Mythpunk World giving classic folklore a modern twist - think Danny Boyle meets Tolkien". Readers let me tell you - It was absolutely incredible!!
Basically (if you don't already know) the story is about love, marriage, games and fantasy, an Enchanted Forest with a Fairy King and Queen and a play within a play. I fairly sure I'm making it sound more complicated than it actually is.
The stage set was fab. Real grass that smelled amazing, moving lights, various media and projections added to it but as usual what made it for me was the costumes and the acting. Everyone that played a main part was brilliant and there was just so much to look at all night. Helena (Lauren Jones) was great especially during the scene where she has both men chasing her, I was really giggling at her expressions:
The Fairy King, Oberon (played by Simon Butler) reminded me of Tom Cruise in Rock of Ages. I was both mesmerised and scared of him at the same time. I saw him outside afterwards and he was still scary. Incredible costume though!!
(Show photography credit - Pamela Raith)
The Fairy Queen was amazing too but I spent all night worried that she was going to tumble off her bed to her death as it was moving around across the stage (it's the Mum in me!!!)
Without a shadow of a doubt though the outstanding star of the night for me was Bottom hilariously played by Alexander Clifford. His Ass had me and the rest of the Curve laughing at almost every scene especially him turning into a donkey. Even writing this post I'm laughing at the memory of his character:
The whole show was a real feast for the eyes and heart and I honestly enjoyed every second of it:
The show is only on until the 20th August but if you get chance you should check it out as it was a great night out. Alternatively keep an eye on their What's On page for future shows.
The Curve is right in the heart of Leicester and has great transport links. I drove and parked at the NCP car park next door which said it would be £16 for 4 hours (gulp!!) However what I discovered last night is that if you pay for the parking at the Curve then it only costs £4.80!! Absolute result!
Disclosure: I was a guest of the Curve Theatre and received a complimentary ticket and programme however all thoughts and opinions are mine. All show photos courtesy of Pamela Raith Photography.
