The Lovers

Shake & Stir Theatre Co. at Theatre Royal Sydney

As an English teacher and a theatre nerd, the advent of The Lovers on the Sydney’s theatre scene was a temptation too hard to resist. With an intriguing premise and a stellar cast, I was ready for an entertaining ride … well I thought I was ready! This production was joy and wit and sass and pure brilliance… more than I could ever have anticipated.

Laura Murphy’s adaptation of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is a bold one. She’s taken the bones of Shakespeare’s work - focusing on the four mismatched lovers, the meddling fairies, the enchanted forest - and infused the tale with Aussie irreverence, clever pop culture references and pop anthems. As spells are cast and affections shift, the characters navigate the chaos of love, identity, and desire, all while questioning whether happily-ever-afters still exist in today’s swipe-right culture. The message is relevant, the narrative is entertaining and the writing is just so damn clever!

Bringing Murphy’s words to life is an insanely talented cast. Each is perfect in their role and flawless in their chemistry. Each vocal performance is powerful and commanding, showing the true star power of each member of this tightknit ensemble cast.

Loren Hunter plays Hermia, straddling the dichotomous range of the character with seeming ease. Whether it be strength and vulnerability or poise and chaos, these extremes were presented with authenticity, flawless vocals and perfect timing. Similarly, Natalie Abbott as Helena was a vocal powerhouse and emotional force. Whether heartbroken, infatuated, frustrated or exasperated, she had the audience’s heart and took us for the ride in every note and line.

The suitors of our leading ladies were the perfect blend of charm and cringe, heart and humour. Mat Verevis was impressive as Lysander, delighting the audience with vocal performances and physical comedy that convinced us that one man could be both incredibly suave and pathetically (and hilariously) love-struck all at the same time. Demetrius is a tricky character – the audience is meant to view him as a villain, of sorts, but somehow in the hands of Jason Arrow he becomes likable and incredibly entertaining. Arrow’s amazing vocals are completely expected but it is the comic timing and the physicality that he brings to the role that make him the perfect Demetrius.

Orchestrating the chaos of the tale and guiding the audience through the narrative are the irrepressibly cheeky Oberon (Stellar Perry) and Puck (Jayme-Lee Hanekom). Perry’s presence commands the stage and wins the audience through repeated, relational breaking of the fourth wall. The wit is dry, the sass is tangible and the voice superb. Sensibly, no human should trust this fairy but the audiences hangs on every word and note Perry offers. Matching Stellar Perry’s Oberon and extending the mischief is Jayme-Lee Hanekom. Whether rapping through the narration, powerfully belting through one of the “bangers” or flawlessly delivering the original text of the Bard, Hanekom brought both an undeniable sense of fun and insightful commentary to the role of Puck.

Bringing Murphy’s work to the stage is a phenomenal design team. This production is a visual feast. The costumes are a glorious blend of Elizabethan and burlesque fashions, and the set itself is a work of art. The staging tech is masterfully employed, with fly-in screens offering moments of comic gold and a rotating stage used to enhance choreography and movement spectacularly.

To say I enjoyed this musical is an understatement - this production is my new obsession. I have not stopped talking about it to anyone who will listen, the album is streaming constantly on my phone and I cannot urge you strongly enough to get tickets. Whether Shakespeare is your thing or not … the pop and love (and laughs) will definitely win you over!

“The Lovers” presented by Shake & Stir Theatre Co. at Theatre Royal Sydney until November 16:  Ticket LINK