A Midsummer Night’s Dream, produced by Flabbergast Theatre, will be at Wilton’s Music Hall from 9th – 20th April, at 7.30pm. There are matinee performances at 2:30pm on Thursdays (11th, 18th) and Saturdays (13th, 20th). For tickets, visit: www.wiltons.org.uk
Flabbergast Theatre’s raw, evocative, and occasionally chilling interpretation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth stunned audiences last year with its alternative costume design, innovative sets, and creative approach to a classic story. This year, they’re setting their rambunctious energy loose on beloved comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream with an equally fresh approach that combines clown, dance, circus, music, puppetry, art, masks, costumes, and singing – oh, and acting, of course. We caught up with Lennie Longworth, who stars in this hijinks-heavy show as whimsical fairy trickster Puck, to chat about the new production and how itsplayful perspective allows her natural cheekiness to shine.
What are you most excited about in this new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
Discovering what this version of the show is. It changes each time we come to it again. I’m excited to see how the show can be relevant to the moment we’re living in. And I’m excited to discover it again with such playful and passionate people.
How did you get into and find the character for your role?
I began by looking into the folklore of Robin Goodfellow and beliefs around fairies and Pucks in the sixteenth century. I became really interested in the archetype of the fool, the jester, the trickster. I was also inspired by the Bouffon and absurd political performance. I find there is endless inspiration and relevant research for this character but ultimately, he is revealed the most in the playing of it.
Do you have any pre-show rituals?
I like to run around the whole stage and auditorium before the audience comes in like a crazy dog.
What is your favourite part of performing this show to an audience?
The audience themselves! I find it fascinating seeing how they react to us – or how they don’t. It’s different each performance. I think the audience makes this show so when we can get them to play it feels very satisfying. And when we don’t it’s a learning curve.
What was your favourite part of rehearsing and creating this show?
Creating and rehearsing with a group of artists who each bring something of their own is very special. I feel I’m learning constantly and it’s wonderful to see my own practice in others.
How has this production developed or stretched your creative skills?
The process is a lesson in listening, generosity (of both accepting and giving) and play. The mask work that we practise is great for stretching ensemble awareness and physicality. Playing this piece stretches me in my ability to improvise and work with a situation. I’ve also discovered the joy of excavating a character. I find it incredible that Shakespeare writes such huge, archetypal and relevant characters and through the process of getting to know Puck, I’m discovering my own process of how I like to work with a character to bring them to life.
Did you learn any new techniques or ways to entertain the audience?
I started going to ballet classes and have been practising animal noises. Puck is a shapeshifter, so I want him to be flexible both physically and vocally. There are many more skills I’d love to learn like juggling, gymnastics, ventriloquism, and mime. I think that’s the joy of a character you keep coming back to, you can grow and widen your repertoire of skills through and with them.
Which character in the play do you most relate to?
It would have to be Puck. I think I have a natural cheekiness that he brings out in me. Although I also relate to Helena and Hermia the young female lovers; in the ridiculousness of being a young woman trying to figure out and find a place in a man’s world. The Mechanicals too, in their undying stupidity and love for performing – especially Bottom. I think all the characters are relatable as they are so archetypal and speak to different aspects of being a human.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, produced by Flabbergast Theatre, will be at Wilton’s Music Hall from 9th – 20th April, at 7.30pm. There are matinee performances at 2:30pm on Thursdays (11th, 18th) and Saturdays (13th, 20th). For tickets, visit: https://www.wiltons.org.uk/whatson/847-a-midsummer-night-s-dream-