Southwark Playhouse has announced a brand-new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Toby Hulse, running from 5 – 27 September at Southwark Playhouse Borough.
This lively reimagining of Shakespeare’s most magical comedy is designed for audiences aged 8 to 88. Set in London in 1905, the production follows the Jenkins siblings as they attempt to stave off boredom by staging a play—complete with queens, pirates, fairies, and lions.
Over 2,000 free tickets will be made available to local Southwark schools for special matinee performances, reinforcing the theatre’s commitment to accessibility and youth engagement.
Director Toby Hulse said:
“I am very excited to be directing one of my all-time favourite comedies, and to share it with a new audience. Magic, nonsense, love, and a deep understanding of just how silly human beings can be make the play a perfect introduction to the work of William Shakespeare, and this production, in a new, shortened version of the text, is for everyone – those who know the play and those who don’t, Shakespeare-lovers and Bard-a-phobes, regular theatre-goers and those coming to see it for the very first time.”
David Workman, Head of Participation at Southwark Playhouse, added:
“For most of its existence, Southwark Playhouse has created high-quality theatre for and with young people in mind. We are so excited, in our 32nd year of existence to present A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which will allow us to welcome over 2,000 young people from across Southwark and Lambeth to see it with their schools at special matinee performances. Making theatre accessible and welcoming to everyone is so important, to create the theatregoers and theatre makers of the future.”
The production features set and costume design by Georgie White and lighting by Will Monks. Casting and further creative details will be announced soon.
To encourage family attendance, Southwark Playhouse is offering a special family ticket—four tickets for £75—available for every performance.
The production is supported by The Topinambour Trust and The Sylvia Waddilove Foundation.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
