Tour 2005

A Midsummer Night's Dream
Taming of the Shrew

Starring:
Chloe Newsome
Robert J Williamson

Performed at:
Kirkstall Abbey, Leeds

2005 reviews

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM:

"Sheer joy, one of the most joyful productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream you will see." Yorkshire Post

"A month long open air extravaganza...The most magical, accessible and historical performance style...The British Shakespeare Company has established a new, vibrant audience for Shakespeare." Bradford Telegraph & Argus

"A simple yet elegant set nestling in the cloisters of Kirkstall Abbey, a string of brilliant performances and everything from the lighting to the sound to the pyrotechnics all timed to perfection...hilarious...Leeds should be desperately proud of its open air Shakespeare Festival." Yorkshire Evening Post

"Flashes of comic greatness...Some outstanding performances...Outsized Tom Snout has the audience gasping as he cartwheels across the stage...As always, this production casts its own magical spell. Leeds should cherish its Shakespeare Festival." Wharfedale Times

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW:

"Some wonderful performances, none more so than Martha Swann as Katherina, whose transformation from Shrew to supplicant is a joy to watch...Petruchio has a wicked glint in his eye which makes him a wonderful Shrew tamer...with a live donkey on stage, and the lights slowly fading around the abbey - it's another special night at the Leeds Shakespeare Festival." Yorkshire Post

"A beautifully crafted production...It is performed by a sparkling cast in the enchanting setting of Kirkstall Abbey." Wharfedale Times

"Breathtaking...A magical open air festival from a company that has delighted audiences up and down the country." Bradford Telegraph & Argus

PERSONAL LETTER

I am writing on behalf of the staff and students of The National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth who came to see your production Wednesday evening.

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the performance and it was certainly the best production I have seen of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The effects were stunning, the setting perfect, the costumes excellent and the acting outstanding.

Best Wishes,
M. H. Chapman and Steven Cheeseman

Scenes from the 2005 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream

Simon Stanhope, Martha Swann and Donkey

Dan Woods