The first time A Midsummer Night’s Dream was performed at Bradfield it was in Gray Pit (now the Greek Theatre see image below) during the First World War when only boys were at the College. It could not have been more different to the play the audience saw in 1995. In 1916, the Bradfield Chronicle noted that during those war years “it was a real tonic to be light-hearted just for one afternoon.” Crediting the producer Assistant Master Mr James H Vince at the time, the review said, “In these days of gorgeous scenery it is well sometimes to remember that this beautiful play, so steeped in moonlight, was first acted, with a few sticks for trees, in a theatre open to the afternoon sun!” A resounding success as a fundraiser as well, the Headmaster Beloe was able to send a cheque for £55 9s. 2d. to the YMCA Tent at Stockcross Camp afterwards.

We were in a different place and time by 1995, when key parts of the play could be portrayed by the girls at Bradfield and by all accounts the play was a masterful production.

It fell as usual in the week leading up to Commemoration during the last week of the Summer Term. The setting of the Greek Theatre most appropriate for this play with its Athenian association mingled with outdoor Arcadian elements. The 1995 production was a colourful performance with a modern theme. The Bradfield Chronicle notes that Greeker was “Transformed into modern rock style costume, gesture and music, the play became more of a hallucination where dream and reality become mixed up, with 60s flower power graphics, expertly executed by Louise King [a pupil in J house (J 94-96)] under the supervision of Edward Fairbairn Esq, creating a vivid psychedelic backdrop, especially in the pastoral scenes.”

Edward shared “This set design and construction was a combination of my pastiches of an C18 drawing style and a student’s ‘Hippy-Trippy’ dreamworld, all designed and brought together by her as an ‘A’ level CDT coursework project.”

The main characters in 1995 were played by Matthew Goff (E 90-95) as Theseus becoming Oberon, Emily Walsh (I 93-95) playing Hippolyta and Titania and James Grey (H 92-97) playing Philostrate and Puck. Records from the time say the characters coped admirably with the change from the formality of the Athenian court to the playful romping of the woodland scenes.

The ‘lovers’ too were stylish both in their acting and costuming: decked in night club red and black satin, Hermia played by Caroline Ward (J 93-95) being pursued by Demetrius played by Angus McDiarmid (B 91-96) whilst she is in love with Lysander played by Tom Grey (H 92-97).

A popular interlude in the play has always been the antics of the ‘rude mechanicals’ who did not disappoint. All were excellent. Patrick Lord (E 91-96) playing Peter Quince wittily reminded us of the temperamental village hall theatrical producer, whose character was enhanced by Snug played by Nick Collett (H 93-98), the company poser, Robin Starveling played by Oliver Barrett (F 91-96), Charles Bagnall (D 93-98) playing the touchingly lovely Flute and Craig Drew (E 93-98) as Tom Snout. The highlight of the Mechanical’s performance of Pyramus & Thisbe, the play-within-the-play was their exotic fan dance which brought the audience to its feet.

The Fairies (boys and girls) were modishly dressed in skin-tight black, set off by Doc Martens with the girls in flamboyant wigs and pastel brief rah-rah net skirts made by Wardrobe Mistress, Mary Askew. Mention must also be made of Richard Chalmers (H 92-97) and his skilful portrayal of the aged Egeus and of the hilarious cameo performance of Luke Parker-Bowles (E 91-96) as Mustard Seed.

The original music was by Wayne Buzzani, known as “Buzz”, whose epic ‘Rock the Ground!’ was the climax of the first half. The magic of the play was certainly enhanced by the excellent rock setting of the Shakespearian poetry by Buzz. The compositions were cleverly put together on computer – the synthesized effects giving a rousing, memorable impression – with many leaving the theatre humming the climactic ‘Adieu’ at the end of the play. The production was described as ‘well-disciplined and imaginative’ with credit paid to the patience and efficiency of the backstage staff especially lighting and sound technicians.

This play was produced and directed by Hailz-Emily Osborne, the first member of female teaching staff at Bradfield who started in 1985 working alongside English teacher Amanda Barr.  Amanda remembers: “Matt Goff had his hair bleached blonde by our make-up person…Adam King was a superb Bottom and the music was an extraordinary feature of the production; his song of “I have had a most rare vision” is still an ear worm.” Together they harnessed the skill and enthusiasm of a talented cast producing both a memorable and imaginatively appropriate performance of this play, the vitality and colour of which remain vividly in the memories of both pupils and the audience alike. Hailz said “I remember it as a joyous and happy production, with a huge cast of very talented players – everyone, no matter how small their role, was stellar.”

Another older article about the 1995 play with James Grey's memories can be seen here