MOUNT House School seniors version of Shakespeare's comedy 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' played before packed houses of parents, pupils, teachers and friends for two nights.

The play had been abridged and adapted for 12 and 13 year-olds so well by drama teacher Elizabeth Harris, that the pupils were able to carry it off superbly.

The school said it was a visually stunning production with the backdrop, costumes and make-up enhanced with some clever musical undertones and special effects completing the illusion of being transported into a forest peopled by mischievous sprites and fairies.

There were many starring performances, including Jenny Forrest as an excellent Puck complete with horns, a frustrated Demetrius played by Rory Millar, Jack Leigh as Lysander, and Hermia and Helena played by Elsa Kent and Flora Wordie.

Titania was played with poise and presence by Lucy Massey, and William Stone showed real comic timing in his portrayal of Bottom, and of Pyramus in the 'play within a play' that was performed for the wedding of Duke Theseus.

While the performers received the plaudits of the audiences, the support of their fellow pupils, who took on the supporting roles behind the scenes – the stage hands, lighting technicians, front of house – were all essential to the success of the production, as were the contributions of many parents and teachers.