Review: A Midsummer Night's Dream **

One of the criticisms of programming this perennial show is that familiarity breeds contempt.

Annually you are likely to be able to travel within the boundaries of the Broad Acres and see at least one production of Dream.

I don't hold with that. There is nothing wrong with regularly dusting off this show and giving it a chance to breathe again. It's an audience favourite for a reason – when it's done well. Unfortunately, versions such as this add to some of the groans elicited by its appearance in a season's programme. It's not that it's uninspired and the lighting, sound design and choreography are all watchable – it's just that, when Dream appears so regularly you need it to be very good to give audiences a reason to see it.

The problems begin with the casting. It is easier to list who is well cast in this show than who isn't – Clare Corbett, whose writhing, sensual, mischievous Puck is great to watch is really the only interesting performer on stage. It all feels a little flat. The story of a collision between the human and the fairy world is ripe with possibility, but there is little here that entertains.

This company of actors are in Scarborough for the summer and the rep system which brings them is wonderful. Once here, however, they need to be given the right material. Otherwise you end up with a show that does nobody any favours.