A Midsummer Night's Dream
This production is now on tour at venues around England.
Step into candlelit winter woods and discover the shadowy underbelly of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
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).
A production by Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong, with Bristol Old Vic and Leeds Playhouse.
‘Lord what fools these mortals be’
Act III, scene 2
This production is suitable for ages 12+. It contains loud noises, strong language, scenes of sexual content, drug use and gunshots. Please contact the ticketing team on 020 7401 9919 or [email protected] if you would like further details on the play’s content.
SEE THIS PRODUCTION ON TOUR
Running time 2 hours 15 minutes, including a 20 minute interval
Shakespeare North
(4-7 February)
Leeds Playhouse
(14-28 February)
Oxford Playhouse
(24-28 March)
Photography: Felicity McCabe
Art Direction: Studio Doug
Reviews
★★★★
‘Fascinating’
FINANCIAL TIMES
★★★★
‘This winter-set spin…brings a fairy tale dark edge’
THE STANDARD
★★★★
‘Chilling and electric’
THE GUARDIAN
★★★★
‘Mesmerisingly unusual’
THE STAGE
★★★★
‘Urgent and fascinating’
WHATSONSTAGE
Photos & Videos
CAST & CREATIVES
Double Bass
Carina Cosgrave
Musical Director/ Piano/ Guitar
Richie Hart
Percussion
Kiyomi Seed
Violin
Alice Barron
Casting Director
Becky Paris CDG
Candlelight & Lighting Designer
Joshie Harriette
Co-Director
Naeem Hayat
Composer & Sound Designer
Nicola T Chang
Costume Supervisor
Jackie Orton
Design Associate/ Access Support Worker
Hugo Aguirre
Designer
Max Johns
Director
Holly Race Roughan
Dramaturg
Dr Frank Peschier
Fight & Intimacy Director
Haruka Kuroda
Movement Director
Malik Nashad Sharpe
Origins Assistant Director
Sonny Nwachukwu
Voice
Gary Horner
Writer
William Shakespeare
TO DREAM AGAIN
Visiting Shakespeare’s Globe in Summer 2026? Book now for our brand-new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the Globe Theatre, directed by Emily Lim. Under starry, summer skies, the Globe transforms into a realm of magic and mischief as lovers and fairies collide in a family-friendly night of wonder and transformation.
Discover MoreACCESS
Our Access Scheme offers additional information on suitable seating, and adjusted ticket pricing for audience members with access needs.