ABRIDGED by Bill Tordoff from A Midsummer’s Night Dream, this was a clever distillation of the essence of Shakespeare’s work, keeping plot and language, but not long speeches, making it accessible for its young cast.

At just over 30 minutes the story and pace never felt rushed, but rather well conceived and strongly directed.

The young cast performed with great gusto and dealt well with the complexities of the language.

The quartet of lovers – Lysander (Alfie Baxter), Hermia (Isabelle Whitcher), Demetrius (Oscar Davis) and Helena (Jasmine Naomi Mould) - played out their story line with skill and a certain flair for comedy.

GeorgieRay Burton was impressive as Theseus/ Oberon and well matched by Charly Armstong as a regal Titania.

Charlie Baxter gave a scene-stealing turn as Bottom: his death scene was a wonder to behold.

KAREN ROBSON