A Midsummer Night’s Dream

The world’s no longer what it seems.

In the depths of winter, discover the magic of A Midsummer Night’s Dream as you’ve never seen it before.

To escape a society ruled by tyrannical law, four young lovers flee to the forest beyond the city walls. But the world of the woods has been turned upside down by a fierce battle between the Fairy King and Queen, Oberon and Titania, over a stolen child.

As their quarrel deepens, others fall prey to jealousy, manipulation, and the dark spells of Oberon’s unruly Puck. As day turns to night and snow begins to fall in summer, can anyone stop the dream from turning into a nightmare?“

Extraordinary” ★★★★ (The Observer) Henry V

A production by Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong, with Bristol Old Vic and Leeds Playhouse.

About the Director

Directed by Headlong’s Artistic Director, Holly Race Roughan, this striking new staging will continue Headlong’s lens of staging all plays like they are new plays, no matter their age or place in the public conscience, asking audiences to look at the stories they think they know afresh.

Holly Race Roughan said: “The world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a turbulent one, the natural environment is upside down and unpredictable, and the political and social landscape is on edge, creating a sense of tension that we are all experiencing today.

“This new staging will explore some of the darker elements of Shakespeare’s well-known comedy, turning it on its head and asking us to reexamine its themes and subject matter.

“Following a highly successful collaboration on Henry V, it is a joy to be partnering once again with Shakespeare’s Globe and our committed national partners to allow audiences to meet this play in the moment we are in”.

We are delighted to announce this production is generously supported by Charles Holloway OBE or This production is generously supported by Charles Holloway OBE.