A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Mesmerisingly unusual reading
spell-binding and mesmeric
Urgent, fascinating... a moral thriller
To escape a society ruled by tyrannical law, four young lovers flee to the forest beyond the city walls.
Unbeknownst to them, the world of the woods has been unsettled by a fierce battle between the Fairy King and Queen, Oberon and Titania, over the ownership of a stolen child.
Snow starts to fall in summer as the dispute rages on, and more people fall victim to the jealousy-fuelled forces of the powerful pair, and the disturbing spells of Oberon’s unruly lackey Puck. As day turns to night, and reality becomes illusion, can anyone stop the Dream from becoming a nightmare?
Following 2022’s ‘extraordinary’ ★★★★ (The Observer) co-production of Henry V, Shakespeare’s Globe collaborates once again with ‘hugely influential’ (Time Out) touring theatre company Headlong to shine candlelight on the shadowy underbelly of one of Shakespeare’s most-loved plays. Headlong’s Artistic Director Holly Race Roughan directs, with co-direction from Naeem Hayat (The Comedy of Errors, 2023/24).
Photography by Felicity McCabe | Art Direction by Studio Doug
This production is generously supported by Charles Holloway OBE
FOR SCHOOLS
This isn’t the classic retelling of Shakespeare’s famous play that you might expect... Find out more about this adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream, including interviews with the creative team and educational activities perfect for the classroom, in our Education Pack ⬆️
Strikingly sinister
Captivates and challenges
Like a sexed-up Narnia... equal parts magical and unsettling
A sharply beguiling production, full of wit and vigour
A fascinating, disturbing take that brings a fresh eye
Financial Times
Vibrant and impressive... feels like contemporary theatre
On Stage
In rehearsals
Photos: Helen Murray
