Home / Arts and Entertainment / Shakespeare Made Fun: Donkey Comedy Shines
Shakespeare Made Fun: Donkey Comedy Shines
2 Apr
Summary
- Accessible Shakespeare adaptation blends original language with modern humor.
- Comic scenes with the 'rude mechanicals' are highlighted as a success.
- Emmy Stonelake's performance as Bottom is a standout comic triumph.
A new co-production between the Unicorn and the RSC offers an accessible take on Shakespeare's romantic comedy, retaining the original language while weaving in playful captions and slapstick humor. Directors Rachel Bagshaw and Robin Belfield have trimmed the plot, though some complexity persists.
The production keeps magical elements subtle, enhanced by soundscapes and projected words. The character of Puck, portrayed as an impish schoolkid, adds to the lighthearted mischief throughout the show.
Scenes featuring the 'rude mechanicals' rehearsing their play are particularly lucid and entertaining, drawing comparisons to children's pantomime with their vibrant costumes and energetic performances. The ensemble cast impressively shifts between dramatic and comedic roles.
Emmy Stonelake delivers a standout performance as Bottom, masterfully balancing broad comedy with the original Shakespearean language. Her portrayal, especially during the donkey transformation, elicits significant laughter and emotional resonance, embodying the production's success in making Shakespeare both accessible and moving.
