This summer, sensational historical performance ensemble Figure return to London’s Opera Holland Park after the success of their fantastically detailed (The Guardian) 2022 performance of Handel’s Serse with a fresh staging of Shakespeare’s classic comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Figure’s performance will feature Mendelssohn’s famous incidental music. After reading the play as a teenager, Mendelssohn wrote the extended ‘Overture’, followed by numbers such as the ‘Wedding March’ which have now become synonymous with Shakespeare’s classic and are known worldwide. In the late-nineteenth century, performances in England and Germany that didn’t use some or all of Mendelssohn’s music became the exception rather than the rule. Reuniting the play with this glorious music, Figure’s musicians will be playing instruments modelled on those from Mendelssohn’s time, including the rarely heard ophicleide.
As Midsummer’s Eve approaches, four young lovers and a troupe of am-dram artisans venture deep into the woods, but little do they know about the amorous antics about to ensue – or is it what they always dreamed of? In the enchanted forest fairies rule and mischief-maker Puck is on hand to ensure the course of true love is anything but smooth. With trickery, havoc, and chaos afoot, it isn’t long until love triangles, mistaken identities and magical transformations begin to unfold.
Figure’s musicians will play on historical instruments, modelled on those from Mendelssohn’s time, including the rarely heard ophicleide, an ancestor of the tuba. The show promises fantasy, plenty of mischief, and musical delights!
A Midsummer Night’s Dream: 29 June – 1 July 2023
Running time 2 hours 45 minutes
Performed by actors and musicians of Figure with local children’s choirs including Theatre Peckham
Further Information: A Midsummer Night's Dream - Opera Holland Park