Headlong has unveiled new production images for its striking staging of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, now playing in the candlelit Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare’s Globe until 31 January 2026.
This bold reimagining, co-produced by Headlong and Shakespeare’s Globe with Bristol Old Vic and Leeds Playhouse, will tour nationally following its London run. Dates include Shakespeare North Playhouse (3–7 February), Leeds Playhouse (14–28 February), Bristol Old Vic (4–21 March), and Oxford Playhouse (24–28 March).
The cast features Hedydd Dylan as Hippolyta/Titania, Dannie Harris, Jack Humphrey, Lou Jackson, Pria Kalsi, Danny Kirrane as Bottom, Tiwa Lade, Ben Lynn, Michael Marcus as Theseus/Oberon, David Olaniregun, Tara Tijani, and Sergo Vares as Puck.
Directed by Headlong’s Artistic Director Holly Race Roughan and co-directed by Naeem Hayat, the production invites audiences to see Shakespeare’s classic afresh. Holly Race Roughan said:
“The world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a turbulent one, the natural environment is upside down and unpredictable, and the political and social landscape is on edge, creating a sense of tension that we are all experiencing today.”
Design is by Max Johns, with lighting by Joshie Harriette and sound by Nicola T Chang. Movement direction comes from Malik Nashad Sharpe, with fight and intimacy direction by Haruka Kuroda.
Set in a world where snow falls in summer, the play follows four young lovers fleeing a tyrannical society into a forest turned upside down by feuding fairies. As Oberon and Titania clash, jealousy and manipulation threaten to turn dreams into nightmares.
This production meets Intermediate Theatre Green Book standards, reflecting Headlong’s commitment to sustainable theatre-making.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
