Details

The Royal Shakespeare Company will work with thirteen theatre partners and a vast range of amateur theatre-makers across the UK to produce a play for the whole nation. Directed by Deputy Artistic Director, Erica Whyman, this special production will mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death in 2016. Of all Shakespeare's plays, this one is especially loved for its delightful comedy, magical setting and glorious characters. A professional RSC company will tour A Midsummer Night's Dream: A Play for the Nation for twelve weeks throughout the spring and summer of 2016. In every location, a new group of amateur performers will play Bottom and the rude mechanicals, and local schoolchildren will play Titania's fairy train Co-produced with 14 amateur companies from every nation and region of the UK, opens in Stratford, before embarking on a nationwide tour. The production opens in Stratford-upon-Avon and will tour to all nations and regions of the UK with the same professional company. In each region, Bottom and the mechanicals will be played by a local amateur group, cast and trained by the RSC, in collaboration with 13 partner theatres. Titania's fairy train will be played by local school children in every location. A Midsummer Night's Dream returns to Stratford for Midsummer, when all 14 amateur companies will have an opportunity to play on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage.

Cast/Performers

Ayesha Dharker (Titania), Jamie Cameron (Fairy), Lila Clements (Fairy), Lucy Ellinson (Puck), Aimee Gray (Fairy), Peter Hamilton Dyer (Egeus), Laura Harding (Hippolyta), Jack Holden (Lysander), Chris Nayak (Demetrius), Mercy Ojelade (Hermia), Chu Omambala (Oberon), Sam Redford (Theseus), Laura Riseborough (Helena), Isaac Ssebandeke (First Fairy), Alex Tomkins (Fairy), Jon Trenchard (Philostrate)

Creatives/Company

Company: Royal Shakespeare Company
Director(s): Erica Whyman, Sian Williams (movement director)
Design: Tom Piper
Lighting: Charles Balfour
Music: Sam Kenyon
Sound: Andrew Franks