TAUNTON'S Brewhouse was buzzing on Saturday.

My husband and I indulged ourselves with an exquisite pre-show meal provided and served by the Castle (highly recommended) the art display and interactive exhibits scattered through the main gallery were attracting attention; two young amateur musicians were putting their heart and soul into a set - and that was all before the show we'd actually come to see.

Midsummer Night's Dream performed by Independent Ballet Wales was the pot of honey on an appropriately pleasant balmy evening.

A mere smattering of props including interesting use of umbrellas throughout, stark sets comprising beautifully-photographed projected backdrops, and colourful sleek costumes enhanced the enjoyment of the production.

So little embellishment - so much imaginative interpretation.

Lovers of pure classical ballet may have felt challenged as the choreography leaned distinctly towards contemporary style, though towards the end the fairy king and queen thrilled the audience performing a classical pas de deux of immense elegance which was truly enchanting.

A minor disappointment was the overall lack of aerial moves and the slightly ragged timing of the four lovers in many of their pas de quatres. However the company ably demonstrated their ability to truly perform and not just dance, as they delivered Shakespeare's complicated tale of lovers duped by Puck, to the spine-tingling score by Mendlessohn, which includes that most famous wedding march.

The comedic elements were without doubt the highlights, with the Chaplin-esque workers (and especially Bottom) outstanding, and obviously enjoying their performance of the famous play within a play as much as the large and appreciative audience did.