Richard Studer’s new production of Benjamin Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Longborough Festival Opera was a pleasingly enchanting spectacle; the fairies’ silver costumes sparkled magically in a modernistic but nonetheless dream-like setting, in which Chinese lanterns rose from the ground to represent trees, lengthy drapes were used to create Tytania’s bower, and Wayne Dowdeswell’s inspired lighting did some wonderful things to the honeycomb backdrop.

The stunning acrobatics of Greville Matthews’s Puck (pictured) at the beginning of each act added to the sense of looking into a magical world, but I wish his costume had been more fairy-like, rather than just a simple black leotard and matching tights. He could have done with a stronger speaking voice, too, and a more vibrant delivery of his lines.

Richard Scott’s Oberon, too, needed greater vocal strength and more purposeful acting, although he was hampered, strangely, by a hooped skirt that did him no favours at all. In contrast, Helen Massey gave a vibrant and intelligent interpretation of Tytania, while Laurie Ashworth, Clare Presland, Abbi Temple and Merrin Lazyan sang in pure, clear tones as the four fairy attendants.

The four quarrelsome lovers were strongly portrayed by Michael Bracegirdle (Lysander), George von Bergen (Demetrius), Margaret Rapacioli (Hermia) and Claire Surman (Helena), who interacted well together, while Gaynor Keeble gave a memorable performance as the Queen of the Amazons, Hippolyta.

But it was the antics of the Mechanicals – portrayed in this production as Morris dancers – who provided the real entertainment. Mark Saberton was outstanding as a larger-than-life Bottom, and achieved some realistic ass-like movements while under Puck’s spell.

Nicholas Smith was clearly having fun as Flute, who reluctantly takes the part of the female Thisbe in the ‘play within a play’ but finishes up playing the role with lively zeal. Sion Goronwy as a giant Snug, Peter Wilman as Snout, Simon Lobelson as Starveling and Julian Close as Quince were also pleasingly lively, and the comically ridiculous performance of Pyramus and Thisbe in the final act was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the evening.

Jonathan Lyness conducted with flair and passion, ensuring a glorious and sympathetic articulation of Britten’s richly varied score.

Longborough Festival Opera’s season continues with performances of Le Nozze di Figaro on Friday and Saturday, An Italian Serenade on Sunday, and a Young Artists production of La bohème on Jul 18, 21 and 22.

Box office: 01451 830292 or visit www.lfo.org.uk