Bell Shakespeare announced the cast for the upcoming production of
A Midsummer Night's Dream, travelling to
26 venues across Australia in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania and Queensland between July and November this year.
One of Shakespeare's most loved plays, this production of
A Midsummer Night's Dream directed by Bell Shakespeare
Artistic Director Peter Evans, will depart on an extensive national tour, debuting at
Orange Civic Theatre (
2 – 3 July) before travelling to far corners across the country including
Arts Centre Melbourne (
14-24 July),
BREC in
Bunbury (
31 July),
Araluen Arts Centre in
Alice Springs (
4 September) and
Mackay Entertainment Centre (
9 September), before finishing at the
Sydney Opera House (
14 October – 7 November). As the company's first national tour in more than a year due to COVID-19, this will bring Shakespeare's classic comedy filled with magic and mirth to audiences all over Australia and reflects the company's ethos of providing all Australians with access to Shakespeare.
Jane Montgomery Griffiths will star as Bottom and Egeus, and
Ella Prince will put her spin on the mischievous Puck. The four lovers will be portrayed by
Michael C. Howlett (Demetrius),
Abbie-lee Lewis (Hermia),
Gabrielle Scawthorn (Helena) and
Jacob Warner (Lysander).
Artistic Director of Yirra Yaakin Theatre Kyle Morrison appears as Oberon and Theseus alongside
Imogen Page as Titania and Hippolyta.
Evans' fresh approach focuses on the play within the play, looking at the illusion of theatre and performance itself, with the assistance of Movement Director
Nigel Poulton. A highly physical production with eight actors playing multiple parts, audiences will be taken on a whirlwind journey through the magic, mayhem and romance of this story.
Peter Evans, Artistic Director of Bell Shakespeare, said: "As Australia's national theatre company, we cannot wait to return to touring and couldn't think of a better play than A Midsummer Night's Dream to really celebrate the joy and magic of live theatre. It's always a thrill to travel to audiences across the country and it's a privilege to be sharing this production with Australians in 2021."
Originally performed in 2014, this production brings back original cast member
Janine Watson as Assistant Director and original Designer
Teresa Negroponte also returns to recreate the magic of the play in each venue. Other creatives include
Aleisa Jelbart (Associate Designer),
Benjamin Cisterne (Lighting Designer),
Max Lyandvert (Composer & Sound Designer) and
Jess Chambers (Voice & Text Coach).