AS stated in their performance information, ‘as all performances are in the open air, the weather will obviously make each one unique,’ but thankfully on this occasion the weather could not have been better for ‘Dorset’s newest theatre company’s’ debut production. Having taken the open-air risk factor by setting their performance in Upton House’s Walled Garden, they couldn’t have selected a better location, the cast’s superb diction bouncing around the walls providing excellent clarity throughout.

Having seen the RSC perform in this very location only a few weeks ago, along with A Midsummer Night’s Dream being a play very close to my own heart; the Wessex Actors Company (WAC) had a lot to live up to on this occasion. Directed by Jo Puttick, with a proven track record in local theatre, by the end of the first scene it was a bar clearly not too high to reach for this newly created company.

It was a joy to see many familiar local thespian faces amongst the cast, especially in Dave Clements and Scott Sullivan who both created comically brilliant performances. Both of these actors are a joy to watch and the relationship between all the ‘mechanicals’ worked fantastically well, picking up the pace of the play, and with it the amusement factor of the production - especially during their highly entertaining rendition of the ‘Pyramus and Thisbe’ play within a play.  

The actors as a whole created a strong performance and I was especially impressed by Neil Mathieson and Jeremy Mills (Theseus and Egeus respectively) who, despite relatively small speaking parts had notable stage presence and played these characters to the finest ability I have seen both locally and professionally.

There were some interesting casting choices made for this production, such as all-male ‘fairies’ who looked remarkably like creatures from the ‘ugly bug ball’, along with Frank Holden’s unusual version of Puck as a, ‘heavy, old and tired fairy’ (his words not mine!)  but these were inspired choices and added to the natural humour of the play. There was one part of the fairies’ performance which in my mind was unnecessary, being the ‘lullaby’ rap. Sadly in my mind it lowered the professional quality which had otherwise been achieved; however the rest of the audience appeared to be delighted by this addition.

My only real niggle at this performance was the lack of passion between the four lovers. Their sections of the play really lost momentum at times, and I found them somewhat unbelievable in their claims of emotion; considering the nature of their love-triangle plot. However, during the second half of the play this did pick up as the plot thickened, and much comedy was found in the humiliation of Hermia, as both men attempt to win Helena’s heart.

I must make particular mention of the costumes of the show, by Quick Change Costume Design. These really are a spectacular addition to WAC’s debut company profile.

This performance was extremely entertaining, and I have high hopes for the future productions of this company. WAC states their aim is to bring first class theatre to a wider audience, and they are well on their way to achieving this. An outstanding debut production which plays until the end of the month at various venues across Dorset; do go and support them, it really is a treat.