Experiencing a play by William Shakespeare at the iconic Shakespeare’s Globe is, in itself, a theatrical event. Echoing the spirit of the original Globe theatre, first built in 1599 during Shakespeare’s lifetime, this reconstructed venue on the South Bank at Bankside offers a uniquely immersive connection to Elizabethan performance traditions. Thanks to the vision of Sam Wanamaker, the theatre stands today not as a museum piece, but as a living, breathing space for performance. It is, without question, the perfect setting for the magical chaos of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Before the play even properly begins, the production establishes its playful tone. A simple sign reading “Auditions” appears centre stage, immediately inviting audience participation. Willing spectators are encouraged to sing, dance, and perform, dissolving the traditional barrier between actor and audience. This light-hearted opening sets the stage for a production that thrives on spontaneity and shared energy.
For those less familiar with the play, a brief synopsis beforehand may be helpful. With its interwoven plots, including the famous “play within a play”, the narrative may initially feel complex. However, the production does an admirable job of maintaining clarity. The programme offers helpful guidance for those unfamiliar with the story, and the staging itself ensures the story remains accessible. Notably, the inclusion of modern references and subtle updates enhances engagement, particularly for younger audiences encountering Shakespeare’s language for the first time.
The 14-strong company delivers a vibrant and committed performance, with many actors taking on multiple roles. Their versatility and energy are central to the production’s success. A standout performance comes from Adrian Richards as Bottom, whose impeccable comic timing and physicality bring the character vividly to life. While Bottom is inherently one of Shakespeare’s most humorous creations, Richards elevates the role with expressive voice work and confident stage presence, proving himself perfectly cast.
Audience interaction continues throughout the performance, contributing to a lively and often unpredictable atmosphere. Those who choose to participate add an extra layer of enjoyment, as spontaneous moments of humour emerge from the crowd. The production embraces this communal spirit, encouraging laughter, singing, and a sense of shared celebration.
Adding to the overall experience is the presence of live musicians, positioned above the stage. Their accompaniment enhances the mood and rhythm of the performance, seamlessly underscoring both comedic and magical moments. Visually, the production is equally engaging: the set is colourful and brightly lit, creating an atmosphere that feels festive and uplifting – almost like a midsummer celebration infused with the warmth and joy of Christmas.
From its energetic opening to its exuberant conclusion, this production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a delight. It captures the essence of Shakespeare’s comedy while making it feel fresh, inclusive, and thoroughly entertaining. An exquisite performance from beginning to end and one not to be missed.
Review by Bernadette Lintunen
Enter a world where the veil between the everyday and the extraordinary grows joyfully thin.
As night deepens on the eve of a royal wedding, a company of amateur performers prepares a play for the big day and invite you to step into their story.
Follow a group of giddy lovers chasing desire and connection through a moonlit forest as they collide with playful spirits in a fairy realm where anything is possible. Hearts open, spells go awry, and surprising transformations unfold in a shared night of mischief that fills the Globe with chaos and wonder.
Jason Battersby – Ensemble/Cover
Audrey Brisson – Titania/Hippolyta
Gavi Singh Chera – Demetrius
Sophie Cox – Hermia
Jamal Franklin – Snug
Michael Grady-Hall – Puck
Gareth Kennerley – Egeus/Flute
Mel Lowe – Lysander
Victoria Moseley – Quince
Enyi Okoronkwo – Oberon/Theseus
Tumi Olufawo – Moth/Ensemble/Cover
Em Prendergast – Snout
Adrian Richards – Bottom
Romaya Weaver – Helena
Assistant Director – Amber Medway
Associate Choreographer and Movement Director – Emma Farnell-Wilson
Casting Director – Juliet Horsley CDG
Choreographer and Movement Director – James Cousins
Composer – Jim Fortune
Costume Design Concept – Fly Davis
Costume Supervisor – Jacquie Davies
Designer – Aldo Vázquez
Director – Emily Lim
Fight and Intimacy Director – Haruko Kuroda
Globe Associate – Movement – Glynn MacDonald
New Work Associate – Guy Jones
Orchestrator and Arranger – Zac Gvi
Voice and Text – Simon Money
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Shakespeare’s Globe
23 April to 29 August 2026
A Midsummer Night’s Dream – Globe Tickets
