The younger element of the Congress Youth Theatre performed two adapted versions of Shakespeare (‘Romeo and Juliet ‘ and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’)in an evening entitled ‘Dream on, Romeo’. It is always heart warming to see youngsters ( ages here ranged from 8 to 13)performing at a good standard and with obvious enjoyment, but much of this performance went beyond that in its appeal and the spontaneous final standing ovation was more than just understandably proud parents expressing their pride.

The two halves were hugely contrasting. In Shakespeare’s tale of star - crossed lovers there was a focus on maintaining the sweep of the original. It was interesting to note that the age of the evening’s Juliet (played by the outstandingly poised Megan Selway) would have differed little from the bard’s original conception. Opposite her, Max Burton must be congratulated for his excellent Romeo. In this musical version of the tragedy the strong contribution of the chorus, directed by Wayne Beecham, was a notable feature.

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ could not have been more different. This was played for laughs throughout and the cast seemed to relish every madcap minute of it. There were numerous examples of outstanding comedic acting from the young cast. Particularly memorable were the irrepressible Tomos Brace Jenkins (Bottom), Jake Harris (Theseus) and Maisie Cook (Hippolyta). Also outstanding in both plays, with fluent delivery of Shakespeare’s prose, was Oscar Sayani.

The wealth of talent on view bodes well for the future of theatre in Cwmbran.