John Caird Production 1989
This production directed by John Caird was a punky Dream. It mocked any idea of sentimental prettiness by dressing the fairies in tattered tutus, patched-up wings and Doc Marten boots. Their playground was a junkyard, filled with bicycle frames, an old piano and an iron bedstead which served Titania as her bower.
Ilona Sekacz provided a joyous, energising score created by subjecting Mendelssohn's music to the same inventive, parodic treatment applied to the fairies.
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Photo shows Puck (Richard McCabe) and Oberon (John Carlisle) in the RSC's 1989 production.
Photo: Joe Cocks Studio Collection © Shakespeare Birthplace Trust