Touring company Oddsocks last night finished its latest stint in Jersey with a spirited portrayal of William Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.

Whilst including classic moments from the play like Puck’s closing ‘If we shadows have offended’ soliloquy, parts of the script were adapted in true Oddsocks fashion to include gems such as “I’m sad. I’m tired. I’m going to bed.”

However, more so than the path of true love, it was the weather which “never did run smooth” with the rain setting in just before the curtains opened and remaining a constant audience member for the next two-and-a-half hours.

In almost 20 years of attending Oddsocks productions on the island, this may be the first time I have seen the crew mopping the stage during the interval to soak up the rain.

Set in ‘The Taste of Athens’ restaurant, this performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream positioned the rude mechanicals as kitchen staff with the lovers set up on a blind date.

A special mention must of course be given to the audience member selected to play Wall, whose strong performance refused to crumble, even amidst Pyramus and Thisbe’s… forceful love.

Andy Burrows, perhaps better known as Will Barrow, gave an incredible rendition of both Demetrius and Bottom, sporting a positively glorious mullet as the pastry-chef-turned-donkey.

Matthew Christmas also became one of the most brooding Lysanders to even grace the stage, whilst also turning Flute into a disgruntled French sommelier.

“Though she be but little she is fierce” was an excellent description of Rebecca Little’s Essex Hermia, whose forceful performance was perhaps only slightly undercut by her detachable legs which were memorable if not entirely effective.

Despite being his first year with Oddsocks, Ian Archdeacon gave one of the most versatile performances as King of the fairies, Snug the quiet lion, and Phil the Maitre D.

Elli Mackenzie’s depiction of Titania and Helena the cocktail waitress were also not to be missed, with her hilarious performance of both tortured lovers.

This modern take on a Shakespearean classic had the whole audience in stitches, an excellent reminder that The Bard’s plays were intended to be enjoyed by everybody.

If you haven’t managed to catch them in Jersey, the company will be performing in Sark on 9 and 10 August, and in Guernsey from the 13 to 16 August before hanging up their sequinned corsets and donkey’s heads for another year.