The Quarrel of Oberon and Titania (1846) by Sir Joseph Paton
Hoping that you enjoy looking at this painting by Sir Joseph Paton, I’m rushing for a London train. The picture is a glorified theatrical crowd scene, somewhat over-crowded perhaps, from William Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream and I’m off to see my close relative and friend Henry Bell’s educational production at the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond.
He has reduced the cast to four actors who are more than doubling up – I think I shall enjoy his version more than Sir Joseph Paton’s, I hope so. To me at least, Shakespeare’s plays come up shining and inspiring no matter what you do to them – no matter what Henry does to them too.
Of course, if I hate it, I shall have to be nice to Henry because I’m celebrating his birthday too.
Henry Bell