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A Midsummer Night’s Dream Blooms at Soulton

By 8 September 2020May 4th, 2024No Comments

A Performance We Will Never Forget

Soulton Hall’s grounds were transformed into a magical forest “remote seven leagues” from Athens this summer.

The acclaimed pop-up theatre company under the direction of the phenomenal Naomi Coleman presented a spellbinding performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Shakespeare’s whimsical tale of mischievous fairies, tangled love affairs, and a night of hilarious confusion unfolded beneath the stars, creating an unforgettable experience for all who witnessed it. This production will undoubtedly hold a special place in our memories at Soulton Hall.

One moment that particularly resonated with the audience was Lysander’s passionate plea to Hermia:

“A good persuasion: therefore, hear me, Hermia. I have a widow aunt, a dowager

Of great revenue, and she hath no child:

From Athens is her house remote seven leagues;

And she respects me as her only son.

There, gentle Hermia, may I marry thee;

And to that place the sharp Athenian law

Cannot pursue us.”

These lines, spoken amidst the enchanting setting of Soulton Hall, perfectly captured the characters’ yearning to escape constraints of  and the promise of a new beginning in the fantastical realm of the forest, mirroring the freedom and transformative power of the natural world that the characters experience in thier Eleusis.

Naomi Coleman’s vision, coupled with the talents of her cast and crew, brought Shakespeare’s words to vibrant life. The laughter that echoed through the grounds, the gasps of surprise at the fairies’ antics, and the sighs of contentment at the play’s joyful resolution all combined to create a truly magical evening.

This summer’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of Soulton Hall’s theatrical offerings.

It was a night of wonder, laughter, and a reminder of the enduring power of Shakespeare’s storytelling.