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. Tom Morris and Handspring Puppet Company join forces once again to realise one of Shakespeare's most popular and fantastical plays, in their first collaboration since the hugely successful War Horse. A shape-shifting Puck is conjured from a selection of workman's tools, an eight-foot-tall Titania presides over a troupe of malevolent fairies and a giant, controlling Oberon manipulates his fairy queen and meddles in the confusion of the squabbling lovers. This is a delightful production, a riotous display of irreverent comedy in which anything can come to life and be transformed. Age guidance: 12+. Running time: 2hrs 45mins including interval.

Creatives/Company

Author: Shakespeare
Producer: Bristol Old Vic
Company: Handspring Puppet Company
Director: Tom Morris
Design: Vicki Mortimer