PLAY IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS

Mid Summer Night’s Dream

Mid Summer Night’s Dream was an unexpected, unique Thursday night event. Unexpected; that I would attend the Botanical Outdoor Observatory Gardens to watch a unique Shakespearean play.

Under the starry night, sitting on the grass on our picnic rugs, I sat among friends, teachers and students from Kew High School enjoying a great picnic whilst entertained by outstanding actors. From the second the play began, it was as though we entered a magical world set among the Botanical Gardens and trees as the backdrops. 

The extraordinary well-known actors recited sonnets and poems from the famous play. It was precise and creative in every way. From the lighting, set, costumes, to the expressive portrayal of this wild love story. It was a modern take on a play which was written in 1595 by the famous Shakespeare. These are some extracts from the play:

“Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind…”

“Though she be but little, she is fierce!”

“Lord, what fools these mortals be!”

“The course of true love never did run smooth.”

“And yet, to say the truth, reason and love keep little company together nowadays.”

The actors worked hard for two hours and kept us enthralled from start to finish- with their costume changes, acrobatics, dance and brilliant, hilarious character portrayals from animals, to fairies, to Kings and Queens from Athens.

When you least expect it, the most amazing memories are made. I thoroughly enjoyed the play. It was an enchanting performance I would most definitely repeatedly see. I am so grateful to my teachers for the invitation and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants a fun, magical night out.

Photos and Article by Mariam Pileggi

Year 10 Student