Show: Electric Dreams
Event: Liverpool Theatre Festival 2021
Location: Bombed Out Church, Liverpool
Date: Sunday September 5 2021
Time: 20.00
Running Time: 130 Minutes incl. Interval
Age Rating: 10+
Performers: Zoe Curlett & Keiron Crook
Production Company: A Place For Us Theatre Company
This is our theatre review for Electric Dreams at Liverpool‘s Bombed Out Church. Now, this is the seventh show of Liverpool Theatre Festival 2021. So, let’s take a look at Electric Dreams!
Electric Dreams
Background
This show pays homage to the 1980s with a musical version of the classic Shakespeare play A Midsummer Night’s Dream. So, this has an explosion of colour and excitement due to its “totally awesome! 1980s soundtrack. And the King and Queen Of The Fairies battle within the setting of mid-1980s Athens. It’s a Midsummer Night, and four young lovers along with several strange actors find themselves within a forest. But it’s there that Rock Diva Fairies are all the rage. Oh, and there’s one mischievous sprite looking to wreak havoc. So, what could possibly go wrong? Join us for this incredible music theatre event … it’s (a) kinda magic!
Analysis
I love the concept of this show. So, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is an oft-told tale, one that acts as a great example of comedy in Shakespearean times. But there’s nothing wrong with adding a modern touch to this vintage play. Even if it is somewhat post-modern with a focus on brilliant hit tunes from the 1980s. And the soundtrack is truly fantastic. Amongst the many songs are Tainted Love, Sweet Dreams, Sweet Child Of Mine, Temptation, Time After Time and It’s Raining Men. Not forgetting (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life, What A Feeling and, yes, Electric Dreams. It feels like a cross between a night at the theatre and a glam rock concert. And to say that the audience’s investment is strong throughout is an understatement.
What the format also does, though, is that it adds additional personalities to the characters. For example, Bottom is generally a silly bloke anyway. But add a “Frankie Says ‘Relax'” and overalls onto him, and his actions become even more comedic. Similarly, the mysterious ways of Puck reach a new level with him sporting a Bowie-style haircut and face paint. And of course the music itself adds extra drama and gravitas to make this an evening to remember. The only minor issue was that it was occasionally hard to hear the vocals. But the singing itself was spectacular all the way through. Oh, and not forgetting the dancing, with plenty of moves to wow the attendees. And all under the beautiful night sky at St. Luke’s Church.
Summary
Electric Dreams feels like a special show, and that is a major compliment. Few could combine Shakespearen theatre with 1980s rock music and make it work. And not only make it work, but make it thrive, and create a magical experience for everyone on hand. But that’s what we get from this must-see show. I look forward to seeing how this format could apply to other plays in the future!
Notes
Target Audience: 10+
Content: No Content Likely To Offend
Recommendation?: Yes
Overall Rating: 9/10 – Outstanding
Electric Dreams Further Links
Liverpool Theatre Festival continues at the Bombed Out Church until Sunday September 12 2021. So, to purchase tickets for any of those shows, please click here.
Did you see Electric Dreams? Let us know by leaving a comment below!
