Leeds Playhouse – until 28 February 2026
Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood
4****
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a joint production by Headlong and Shakespeare’s Globe and also with Bristol Old Vic and Leeds Playhouse. It is currently touring to four theatres including the Playhouse. The Shakespeare’s comedy was written in the 16th Century and is today one of the most popular well-known plays.
The comedy is set in Midsummer Athens and the comedy is centred around two subplots. Both subplots are revolved around Theseus (Michael Marcus) and Hippolyta (Hedydd Dylan) who are about to be married. The first subplot is around four Athenians, Hermia (Tiwa Lade) and Lysander (David Olaniregun) and Helena (Tara Tijani) who is in love with Demetrius (Lou Jackson) but he isn’t in love with her. Hermia and Lysander escape to the forest and both Helena and Demetrius follow them. The second subplot is a group of actors, made up by the restaurant staff including Peter Quince (Jack Humphrey) and Nick Bottom (Danny Kirrane). The group travels to the forest to rehearse their play for the imminent Theseus and Hippolyta’s wedding.
The fantastical and magical forest, figuratively shown on stage, evokes emotions and discoveries and both subplots begin to unravel. All the characters enter a world of chaos, conspiracy and confusion amid a dispute over a child between Oberon (Marcus) and Titiana (Dylan), the King and Queen of Fairies. Oberon with the help of Puck (Sergo Vares), a sprite, schemes his plan to get the child for himself and this begins the confusion and drama.
This extends to all the characters in the forest; Bottom becomes a donkey and Titiana falls in love with him. The cast is mistakenly spelled further to the Athenians with a love triangle begins with Lysander and Demetrius falling in love with Helena. The plots continue to unravel until resolutions are sought and subsequently ends all well for everyone.
This production has been adapted for winter and it certainly has a fresh and contemporary approach and interpretation which aligns with Headlong’s aims. Under the direction of Holly Race Roughan and Naeem Hayat, the key prose, poetic forms in the text are not compromised and its modern interpretation appreciates Shakespeare’s writing ingenuity. The production is engaging, funny and yet serious with the key themes raised in the story. One can resonate with the premise of dreaming and how it aligns with and triggers from everyday reality and relations. There is something for everyone and the play offers an invitation to consider deeply the concerns and cares of the world.
The simplistic and sustainable staging, courtesy of Max Johns, with its white deco and winter themed works well with the key themes and its versatility to project the story in all environs. The space is well used and the auditorium is utilised with the characters appearing from the various exits. The staging is complimented with Joshie Harriette’s lighting and Nicola T. Chang’s music and soundscapes.
With each member of the cast portraying well the roles, this production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is very enjoyable, excellently put together, entertaining and evoking. It offers one to examine the story, deeper and further beyond the play.