MSND’s Trailer at Kew Gardens
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Review by Mark Aspen
Iranian actor Mohsen Ghaffari steals the show as Bottom, unashamedly playing to the gallery with a barrel-load of gusto. Bottom’s child-like enthusiasm to be the star of the play within the play, using his beanie hat as a glove puppet for the lion’s maw; his fear turned to wonderment at Titania’s attentions; and his always wanting to please, all came across clearly in Ghaffari’s vigorous performance. It culminated in Bottom’s death of Pyramus, “Thus die I, thus, thus, thus … Now die, die, die, die, die” being taken up and over OTT. He doesn’t fall on his sword, but rather minces himself on it, cutting off ears, nose, eyes, lips, arms, legs, in the nicest possible way you understand; this is a family show.
Rude Mechanicals, is headed up hilariously by Mohsen Ghaffari, playing Bottom in the style of Sacha Baron Cohen, whom he strongly resembles. He steals every scene in which he appears.
Trip Reporter Review by Anthea Gerrie.
Mohsen Ghaffari was a fine Nick Bottom – a delicious mixture of irritant and innocent, a creature who is and is not pretentious at the same time.
Review by Conrad Brunstrom
Mohsen Ghaffari’s commitment to his role as Bottom and Egeus is undeniable, especially in the second half as he tries to amuse King Oberon, which the audience adored.
Review by Isabelle Tyner