THEATRE: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

A Shakespearean summertime favourite that Samuel Pepys declared to be, “the most insipid, ridiculous play that ever I saw…” here gets a noughties, Surry Hills makeover. “We’re doing it because it’s been done before, not in spite of,” says Gareth Davies, the actor playing Demetrius. Sure, it’s daunting taking on one of the most iconic plays in English-speaking history. But while all the original language and intonation hasn’t been thrown out the window (“It’s too good to!” laughs Davies), this is more of a party … “it’s sexy, rock n roll, a little bit naughty.” Think karaoke ballads, sneakers and suits, smeared makeup and more. But it retains its, “brilliant aliveness,” according to director Eamon Flack – after all, we never tire of love. “It speaks to a lot of us,” agrees Davies, “it’s immediately relatable. We’ve all got memories we can look back on in horror.”

Nov 26-Dec 20, Belvoir St Downstairs Theatre, 25 Belvoir St Surry Hills, $23-29, 9699 3444 or belvoir.com.au