Bottom is top in Midsummer Night's Dream

As a rule, Shakespeare - or indeed anything with Shakespeare in the title - should be avoided at the Fringe (productions often proving to be dull or pretentious). But make an exception for this. It's the Edinburgh debut of acclaimed travelling theatre company Footsbarn, founded in Cornwall but now based in France - and what a delight it is.

Fittingly, Footsbarn have set up their big top on Calton Hill in the shadow of the Acropolis, and we are transplanted to the Athenian wood and Theseus's court, rather sinister places beautifully realised in a design that draws from many sources. Masks, live music, fireworks and choreography are used in this most vibrant and witty of interpretations and, as a bonus, the Edinburgh weather adds its own sound effects

Director Paddy Hayter leads an international cast, as a hilarious, bucktoothed ninny of a Bottom and a gormless Lysander, and there's a deeply touching performance from Muriel Picard as Helena. Hayter has cut some of the play's flim-flam (it runs at two hours) and brings out the comedy in a production that owes much to commedia dell'arte but feels resolutely modern and knowing.

One irritation: Puck and Titania are incomprehensible and at times I thought the actors were speaking in their native tongues. This doesn't matter so much for Puck but Titania's speeches drive a lot of the narrative and, for anybody unfamiliar with the twists and turns of a rather complicated plot, this can make matters difficult to follow.

But that niggle is forgiven in a magical last scene, where everyone ends up with the right lover and peace is restored in the wood, and the audience walk back into town down a fairy-lit path.

Until 25 August (0131 623 3030, www.assemblyfestival.com).

A Midsummer Night's Dream
Big Top at Calton Hill
Edinburgh Festival