Details

On a midsummer's night Hermia and her lover Lysander flee from Athens and Demetrius - the man Hermia's father favours as a son-in-law. Demetrius follows, pursued by Helena who loves him in spite of being spurned in favour of Hermia. On the same night Bottom and his friends leave Athens to find somewhere quiet to rehearse their play which is to be performed at the wedding feast of Duke Theseus. Drawn into the woods they enter a world of magic, mystery and wonder. Set beneath heritage trees within our picture-perfect Gardens, this is A Midsummer Night's Dream in uniquely botanical surroundings. As twilight falls, the stage is set for Shakespeare under the stars. This beguiling comedy of enchantment and transformation is brought to life within a dream-like woodland filled with feuding fairies, eloping lovers and a hapless troupe of actors. There's magic in the air alongside wild thyme, oxlips, nodding violets, luscious woodbine, sweet musk roses and eglantine. It's an alfresco play peppered with contemporary references. Into the mix add a spellbinding potion and a mischievous sprite for a summer night of mayhem like no other.

Creatives/Company

Author: Shakespeare
Presented by(s): Australian Shakespeare Company, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew