A MIDSUMMER Night’s Dream) has long been one of the Bard’s most popular play’s, but the creatives at Wayward Theatre Co are excited to give it their signature spin. After the successful production of (Much Ado about Nothing) last year, Jess Keilty and Alfi Howard of Wayward show no signs of slowing down. 

Their version of “Midsummer” takes place in the 70’s with LGBTQ+ liberation at the forefront, Erin Langer, one of the play’s Director’s, comments; “we wanted to give another context to the play, with all the Fairies and the magic, it just made sense that the 70’s and its festival culture was the right fit”.

Jess, the other Director, also stressed the importance of the queer context to the story, “We have changed some of the genders of our character’s, making them two gay couples that get entangled in the woods. By changing it, we believe we’ve made the story one about acceptance and finding yourself, even in messy times. Something that definitely resonates today as well as over 400 years ago.” 

Finding the Lovers, Mechanicals and Fae was no easy task, especially given the musical elements of the show; “We were overwhelmed with the amount of talent we had in the auditions but are ecstatic with our cast and can’t wait for the audience to step into our world of Midsummer madness.” Rehearsals are well underway at Phoenix Live for the show opening in June at Victoria Hall Theatre. 

For those who haven’t heard of (A Midsummer Night’s Dream) the story follows two sets of Athenian lovers and a troupe of amateur actors getting lost in the forest, the domain of the Fairies. Puck is a mischievous sprite who likes to mess with the humans and then chaos and confusion ensues! Men get turned into Donkeys, disco numbers abound and lovers lose their way! Well, the course of true love never did run smooth. 

This version is set to bring the energy, fun and campiness to a Shakespearian classic, playing at the Victoria Hall Theatre, the 3rd till the 6th of June, tickets on sale at www.ticketsource.com/wayward-theatre-company

The show is proudly sponsored by Harlow Pride and Youth Creates Does Parties.