The Dreaming, placed in deepest Somerset in 1913, is a very free musical adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Given the evidence of this sparkling production it deserves to be better known.

On a superbly designed and lit set, dominated by a huge dream catcher, a cast of thirty plus comes up with high entertainment. Upstage, behind the dream catcher, a ten-piece orchestra provides live accompaniment - voice/instrumental balance is admirable.

There are many fine numbers, among them Cuckoo Song and the stirring and oddly touching Banner of St George both from Reverend Plum and the Villagers. Two female singers, Hannah Dale (Sylvia/Henrietta) and Elizabeth Bourne (Jennifer, one of the lovers) are especially good.

There's also super, well-choreographed comedy, for instance from the four lovers in the woods and of course the Villagers (Shakespeare's "rude mechanicals").

Anyone intending to direct Shakespeare could usefully lift some ideas from the way Adam Paulden, the director here, brings out the culturally fundamental pagan elements and sexual earthiness routinely overlooked in the original. Instead of turning into an ass, Nick Cheek, the Bottom figure (Douggie McMeekin), is a goat.

This production, which runs until Saturday, is the latest from the University of Nottingham's Musicality.

ALAN GEARY