There’s something rather special about seeing familiar faces from Swindon’s Summer Youth Project taking to the stage once more — this time with their own take on Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Arts Centre.
The production has been lovingly crafted to give those who’ve outgrown the Wyvern Theatre’s annual SYP the chance to continue doing what they love most — performing.
Under the steady guidance of director Ollie Webb and assistant director Louise Aust, the cast pulled together a full-scale Shakespearean musical comedy after just six full days of rehearsal. That alone deserves a round of applause before the curtain even rises.
Now, Shakespeare isn’t usually high on the must-watch list for some, myself included. But with several of the cast being familiar faces from past Summer Youth Projects (and anyone who knows me knows I do love a good SYP), the invitation to experience A Midsummer Night’s Dream like never before was too tempting to turn down.
And the show description os “experience A Midsummer Night’s Dream like never before” is spot on. This version is energetic, mischievous, and refreshingly modern. The blend of classic text with pop numbers — including Hanging on the Telephone and Saturday Night’s Alright — gives the play a playful twist that’s impossible not to enjoy.
Heidi Gosden (Helena), Amelia Calvert (Lysander), and Cory White (Demetrius) were undeniable standouts. Their chemistry and comic timing brought an infectious energy to the performance — the kind that keeps you watching them even when they’re not centre stage. But that’s not to take anything away from the rest of the talented ensemble, who each added their own spark to this whirlwind week of theatre magic.
This isn’t just another Shakespeare adaptation. It’s a celebration of creativity, and of Swindon’s incredible home-grown talent. A “Play in a Week” might sound ambitious, but judging by the audience’s laughter, applause, and the performers’ sheer joy, it’s safe to say they’ve pulled it off in style.
If you’re free today, there are two final performances at 2.30pm and 7.30pm (Saturday, 1 November 2025). It’s a brilliant way to spend a few hours supporting Swindon’s next generation of theatre stars.
