REVIEW: The Lovers at Theatre Royal

Review by Michelle Sutton 

There have been many takes on Shakespeare’s iconic romantic-comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream throughout the years. Fans across the decades continue to love and be delighted by the universal themes, silly chaos and sweet, happy endings offered in his play. Directed by Nick Skuij and written by Laura Murphy, The Lovers is a new take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream, transforming it into a pop musical spectacular. 

Laura Murphy’s script cleverly intertwines Shakespeare’s original dialogue with modern dialect and references. Her songs utilise modern pop sounds and trends. Murphy’s comedic songs shine in particular, with the actors enhancing their wit with their masterful deliveries. The production design is one of the undeniable stars of this show. Isabel Hudson is responsible for both the costume and set design. The set is dazzling, creating a fantasy world where everything pops and is emotionally heightened. The costumes are cohesive with the fantasy realm created by the stage design, inspired by period costuming combined with bright, neon and pastel elements similar to a stage outfit a contemporary pop singer might wear on a tour. The lighting design by Trent Suidgeest compliments the set, with reds and pinks heavily featured throughout the musical. 

The production burst into life the second Natalie Abbot started her first solo number. Yielding her expert characterisation, stage presence and charisma, Abbott elevated the musical material, finding every possible moment of comedy and sincerity to draw the audience in under her spell. Abbott continued to be a breath of fresh air and a confident, surprising, joyous performer throughout the show. Natalie Abbott is a standout star in this production. Jason Arrow is charming and hilarious as Demetrius, particularly in the second act when he gets to really let his comedy chops fly. Arrow channels his inner Justin Bieber, boyband alter ego to incredible effect. Jayme-Lee Hanekom plays the fairy Puck, who is the source of much of the mayhem in the story. Stellar Perry starts the show as a truly fabulous Oberon, who serves as a kind of narrator throughout the musical. Perry’s distinctive voice gives the role a fun flavour and she bounces off Hanekom’s Puck beautifully. The Lovers breathes new life into Oberon and Puck’s relationship and  gives them more history and personality than in the original text. Loren Hunter anchors the emotion of the show as Hermia with sincere moments and a strong and evocative voice. Mat Verevis plays Lysander with a giddiness and goofiness that is enthralling and entertaining for the audience. This small but incredibly talented ensemble of performers work in harmony each other, bouncing off of each other’s energy in comedic fight scenes, and creating believable chemistry. The actors really get to showcase their comedic skills in the second half as the show descends into chaos, where they all get to play and act a fool in a way that Shakespeare would surely approve of. 

The Lovers at Theatre Royal is a dazzling spectacular of Australian musical theatre. The Lovers boasts beautiful production design and a truly excellent cast of performers. The Lovers is sure to be a hit with lovers of pop music, romcoms and devotees of Shakespeare. 

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