Arts & Culture

This Spring, secrets, love and mistaken identities collide with a fusion of rich soulful music in a new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Watermill Theatre, Newbury.

Inspired by the hedonistic sounds of Nina Simone and Billie Holiday, the Watermill Ensemble combine actor-musicianship with one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies in an energetic new production.

Four lovers escape the decorum of the royal courts, eluding tradition and etiquette on one fateful, intoxicating night in the Athenian woods. Hermia is to be married to Demetrius but she actually loves Lysander. The lovers run away to marry in secret but are pursued by Demetrius who has been told by Helena of their plan. During the fateful night that follows, all respectability begins to unravel.

Last year The Watermill’s productions of Twelfth Night and Romeo and Juliet toured the UK and internationally, receiving acclaim for blending contemporary songs with Shakespeare’s classic texts. Familiar hits from artists as varied as Lorde, Mumford and Sons and Postmodern Jukebox were performed live by the cast as they brought to life these two timeless plays.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream continues The Watermill’s commitment to producing innovative ensemble driven Shakespeare productions fused with actor-musicianship. Enter an enchanting world of dreams and passion on a midsummer night and enjoy a fresh new production of one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream runs from May 10 to June 16 Tickets £26.50 to £15. Book at www.watermill.org.uk.