A rather special poster for a 1969 Ngaio Marsh production. Do you recognise the actor in the centre, as Theseus? At the time he went by the name of Nigel Neill, but is now known as Sam Neill. The other cast members, from left to right are: Yvonne McKay as Hermia, Bill Stalker as Lysander, Deirdre O'Connor (rear) as Helena, Catherine Wilkin (front) as Hippolyta, Douglas Blair as Demetrius. An attractive group although it omits Oberon, Titania and Puck.
The University of Canterbury Drama Society presents William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, produced by Ngaio Marsh, with Elric Hooper as Puck. Ngaio Marsh Theatre, June 14-July 5, [1969]
Midsummer Night’s Dream is my all-time favorite, most beloved, 5-star rated, totally obsessed with, BEST ICED TEA EVER! But did you know: I’ve never tried it hot until now. It’s so light and summery that I worried the harmonious nuance of the floral and fruity tastes would be lost on a cup of hot tea, but my fears were unfounded. Both the hot tea version and the iced are a perfect 5/5. While it is even better iced (maybe a 6 out of 5 really), as a cup of hot tea it is still an amazing, soothing cup with such a perfect balance of tastes.
This tea is a symphony of sensation, with sweet fruit flavor, airy floral notes, and a lingering mint that cools and soothes. Combining apple and gooseberry with spearmint and rose petals, the balance between these tastes is impeccable. No flavor overshadows, with the fruit, floral, and mint blending seamlessly as the sip moves from bright fruit first to the most soothing floral mint finish.
This already magnificent tea still has higher heights to reach as Iced Tea Perfection, but I’m so pleased it’s just as delectable hot. I’m sipping so slowly to really savor each and every drop. The nuance of this tea’s flavor continues to absolutely blow me away.
It’s sweet, it’s light, it’s refreshing. It tastes like a cool evening breeze on a summer night, carrying the scent of fresh-bloomed flowers and all the day’s warmth in its gentle gust.
It has come to our attention that there are people who do not consume The Alcohol. Contrary to popular belief of ignorant idiots, that doesn’t make you any less cool. So if you are on medication, pregnant, recovering, Muslim, the designated driver, have children, pets or drunk friends to look after, have to be in school in half an hour or for any other reason decided not to drink today or ever - we love you, and we want you to feel welcome and included here. This one is for you (and everyone else, obviously) - our first spirit without alcohol: The Puck. Queers! I mean, cheers.
Ingredients:
Rhubarb juice
Non-alcoholic sparkling wine
Peppermint syrup
Elderflower syrup
A dash of lime juice
Preparation:
Mix the rhubarb juice and the sparkling wine in about equal amounts. Add the elderflower syrup and stir (careful - don’t wanna lose the bubbles, do you). Slowly pour in the peppermint syrup, let it settle at the bottom half of the glass and don’t stir. Add a some fresh lime juice if you like, then proceed to throw flowers at people and cause chaos.
