Review: Britten: A Midsummer Night's Dream****

With just one adaptable set director, James Conway, has most effectively recreated for English Touring Opera Benjamin Britten's gentle comedy, A Midsummer Night's Dream. Costumed in many periods, but generally in Shakespeare's time, it would be described as a "traditional" production and always a delight to the eye.

The casting looked towards a team rather than a list of outstanding soloists, Jonathan Peter Kenny was certainly a striking figure as an uncompromising Oberon, with Gillian Ramm highly attractive both in looks and voice as Tytania.

Of course, when the local craftsmen take the stage in preparation for their play, humour is guaranteed, and, with Andrew Slater's excellent Nick Bottom leading his motley crew, every bit of fun was milked to the last drop.

Niamh Kelly, Laura Mitchell, Michael Bracegirdle and Robert Davies, as the four lovers, vocally stood apart, as they should, from all happening around them.

The small orchestra was admirable under the direction of Michael Rosewall, and the company will arrive in Buxton Opera House on April 15.