Rushen Players

A Midsummer Night's Dream

Mischief and mayhem reign in the forest on this magical night, causing, amongst other things, Bottom to undergo startling physical changes. There is a total mix-up of who loves whom after magic drops are placed into various sleeping eyes, so that the person, so bewitched, will fall in love with whomever is first seen on awakening. Thus, confusion amongst the young lovers and Titania's sudden passion for a 'translated' Bottom! After all the mayhem, all ends well (it would seem). The last scene depicts three happy couples gathering for the forthcoming muptuals: Lysander and Hermia now betrothed with Hermia's father's blessing, Demetrius and Helena now also ecstatically in love with each other and the Duke and Hippolyta, all gathered to be entertained by the comic band of Rustics who are proud that their play, 'The Tragical Comedy of Thisbe and Pyramus' , has been chosen above all other contenders to be performed fo the festivities. Puck's speech, which closes the play, makes one wonder a little if all is as it seems .......