After a strong season in Meeanjin/Brisbane, it’s safe to say that The Lovers has struggled to find its feet in Eora/Sydney. I snapped up tickets for a mere $48 during a sale. Despite the bargain prices, it’s still wrapping up early. I try to go into any production with an open mind, but I was nervous I may be disappointed. I needn’t have worried. This modern reimagining of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is an absolute joy.
The Lovers is the brainchild of local creative Laura Murphy, who brought us The Dismissal and Zombie! The Musical. She streamlined Shakespeare’s original text, eliminating the play within a play and most of the fairies to focus on the love tangle of Hermia, Helena, Lysander, and Demetrius. It works so well, I’m sure Shakespeare would approve. Pieces of the Shakespearean text are cleverly interspersed with super catchy and original pop songs. Full of pop culture references and wit, they do a superb job of refreshing the original story.
Every member of this small cast was superb. We’d seen Mat Verevis in Beautiful and Stella Perry in the Rocky Horror Show, but they were eclipsed by actors in larger roles. With such a small ensemble, I saw them shine. Jayme-Lee Hanekom is such a light as Puck. Natalie Abbott was also absolutely radiant as Helena. Six alum Loren Hunter was also breathtaking. Nic Van Lits stepped in for Jason Arrow as Demetrius during our matinee. He may not be a big name like the Hamilton star, but he made the role his own and was every bit the equal of the cast regulars.
I’m not sure why The Lovers is struggling to find an audience in Eora/Sydney this time around. It’s funny, moving, a celebration of love and literature, a true pleasure. It’s everything I wanted it to be and so much more than I hoped for. Do not let the early closure put you off. This is such an exciting musical and one you really should see before it leaves the Theatre Royal on November 16.