Stafford’s annual Shakespeare production moves to The Stafford Gatehouse Theatre in Staffordshire this month with this stunning version of the Bard’s best comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Set in 1930s Athens and featuring some of The Bard’s characters including Nick Bottom, Puck, Titania and Oberon, this visually spectacular play promises to be an immersive event from the minute you arrive at the Gatehouse.
Expect sights, sounds (and yes, smells) to heighten the senses before stepping into a midsummer dreamworld where nothing is really what it seems (or is it?).
Featuring a cast including Jonathan Hyde (Titanic, Jumanji), Kerry Ellis (Wicked, Les Miserables) and Milly Zero (EastEnders, The Foreigner) as well as supporting actors from the likes of Ted Lasso and The Crown, this promises to be the biggest show in the Gatehouse’s history.
Directed by Sean Turner (The Play That Goes Wrong), this epic – and hilarious – tale of egos, gods, idiots and, yes, an ass is one of Shakespeare’s most popular works and was last performed by Stafford Shakespeare at the town’s castle in 2013.
Five inter-connecting plots, fairies, nymphs, lovers and liars, sow the seeds of an enchanting tale that has thrilled audiences for centuries.
After all, the course of true love never did run smooth.
Cast/Creative Details
As well as Titanic star Jonathan Hyde and the ‘first lady of the West End’ Kerry Ellis, are actors who have appeared in hit shows such as Ted Lasso and The Crown, as well as the hit play ‘To Kill A Mocking Bird’. Olivier Award-nominated Dan Burton (White Christmas, Gypsy) will join in the role of Oberon. Will Taylor (The Play That Goes Wrong, The New Musketeers) will take on the loveable role of Puck.
Lucinda Freeburn joins as Peaseblossom and Sam Lightfoot-Loftus will take on the role of Cobweb, together with Kerry Ellis as Titania, to complete the fairy line-up or, in this case, the mythical Greek gods.
Joining Milly Zero (EastEnders, The Crown) as Hermia is Noa Nikita Bleeker (Ted Lasso) in the role of Helena and the male lovers are made up of Richard Logun (Birds and Bees) as Lysander and James Bradwell (Holby City, Murder They Hope) as Demetrius. The other Athenians are Toby Webster taking on Theseus and Oyin Orija (To Kill a Mockingbird) as Hippolyta.
Previously announced Jonathan Hyde (Titanic, Jumanji, The Mummy) will play Nick Bottom and joining him are the mechanicals Amy Revelle (The Time Machine, The Possibility of Colour) as Quince; Megan Marszal as Snug, Olivier Sublet as Flute, Elaine Hua Jones as Starveling and Daniel Copeland as Snout/Egeus.
The creative team for the production includes Sean Turner (Play That Goes Wrong, The New Musketeers) as the director. Chris Whittaker will provide the Choreography/movement.
Stamatis Seraphim is the composer, Jida Akil will design the costumes. Anna Phillips is the set designer whilst Barry Smith provides the lighting design and sound designer is Holly Khan.
How much do the tickets cost?
Tickets are priced from £32-£35 (concessions and group discount available).
How do I book tickets to watch A Midsummer Night’s Dream at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre?
Tickets can be booked by calling the box office on 01785 619080 or by visiting their website here.
How long is the show for and what are the timings?
The show will start on Friday, 23 June and will run until Sunday, 9 July 2023. The evening shows will run at 7.30pm while the matinee shows will be shown at 2.30pm.
The Fairy Academy
The Fairy Academy which is an associate production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, will also run from June 23 – July 9 at 11am and 3.30pm. Join Narcissus and Pinewood, two of the most decorated fairy professors, children will get to enrol in the world’s most magical academy where they will learn how to become a fully-qualified fairy. Whilst undergoing their training, the academy receives a special message from Queen Titania sending them on a special mission. Along the way, cadets find a magical wishing tree where they can leave their personal messages on a wishing leaf. Eventually, the academy complete their mission and save the day making them fully-qualified fairies! Tickets are priced at £5-£12 and the show is suitable for children aged 5 to 9-years-old.
Where is Stafford Gatehouse Theatre?
Stafford Gatehouse is an old Victorian theatre for professional and amateur shows, including Shakespeare and children’s plays. In 2007, the Borough Hall was reopened as Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, by his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. The Borough Hall was originally opened on 20 June 1877 and the building once housed Stafford Borough Council.
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Eastgate Street
Stafford
ST16 2LT
Tel: 01785 619080
Where to park?
Stafford Gatehouse Theatre is in the heart of Stafford, just seconds from the main shopping centre and central tourist attractions. It is less than 10 minutes drive from Junctions 13 and 14 of the M6 and can be found by following the theatre mask symbols on routes into the town centre. There are ample parking facilities a short walk away from the theatre and cycle racks are available outside the building.
You may want to read this:
Review: Stafford Gatehouse’s Open-Air Performance of ROMEO + JULIET
That’ll Be The Day, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre Review
Review: Cinderella at Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
Photo credit: Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
