Shakespeare’s Globe has announced the cast and creative team of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed for the first time in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse from 15 November – 31 January. Candlelight illuminates the shadowy underbelly of one of Shakespeare’s most-loved comedies, where reality becomes illusion, and as day turns to night, snow starts to fall in summer.
Following the acclaimed co-production of Henry V in 2022, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a production by Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong, with Bristol Old Vic and Leeds Playhouse, directed by Headlong’s Artistic Director Holly Race Roughan, and co-directed by Naeem Hayat. From February 2026, A Midsummer Night’s Dream will tour Shakespeare North Playhouse, Leeds Playhouse, Bristol Old Vic, and Oxford Playhouse.
The cast comprises Hedydd Dylan as Hippolyta / Titania, Danny Kirrane as Bottom, Tiwa Lade as Hermia / Mustardseed, Michael Marcus as Theseus / Oberon, David Olaniregun as Lysander / Moth, Tara Tijani as Helena / Peaseblossom, and Sergo Vares as Puck.
Director Holly Race Roughan says,“The world of A Midsummer Night’s Dreamis 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. This new staging will explore some of the darker elements of Shakespeare’s well-known comedy, turning it on its head and asking us to reexamine its themes and subject matter. Following a highly successful collaboration on Henry V, it is a joy to be partnering once again with Shakespeare’s Globe and our committed national partners to allow audiences to meet this play in the moment we are in.”
Co-Director Naeem Hayat says, “Holly and I are thrilled to be working with such a dynamic and incredibly talented group of artists to reimagine one of Shakespeare’s most enduring stories.”
For more information and to book tickets go to shakespearesglobe.com.
