London, UK – Southwark Playhouse Borough has announced an intriguing new production of William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Directed by Toby Hulse, this staging promises a distinctive take on the classic text, transporting audiences to London in the year 1905.
The production is scheduled to run from September 5th through September 27th, offering London theatregoers and visitors alike an opportunity to experience the play’s magical chaos through a unique historical lens. Notably, this interpretation is specifically designed as an introduction to Shakespeare for new audiences, aiming to demystify the language and themes through accessible storytelling and a relatable, albeit period-specific, framework.
A Play Within a Play in 1905 London
Setting Shakespeare’s Athenian forest and the mechanicals’ rehearsals against the backdrop of Edwardian London provides a compelling contrast and a fresh perspective. The narrative structure centres around a ‘play within a play’, focusing on the fictional Jenkins siblings who are attempting to mount their own theatrical performance.
This premise grounds the fantastical elements of the original work within a domestic, early 20th-century context, suggesting a focus on the creative, often chaotic, process of amateur theatre-making. The ambitions and eccentricities of the Jenkins siblings are poised to drive the central conflict and much of the humour.
Each sibling brings their own specific, and sometimes conflicting, desires to the production. Nancy, seemingly aspiring to grandeur and scale, insists on the presence of a Queen figure and a remarkably large cast of at least sixteen characters. This specific requirement highlights a youthful enthusiasm for elaborate spectacle, potentially clashing with practical limitations.
Her brother, Robert, presents a starkly different, perhaps morbidly imaginative, vision. His contribution involves a macabre preference for a horrible death scene and the inclusion of pirates, elements conspicuously absent from Shakespeare’s original text. Robert’s demands hint at a desire to inject high drama and perhaps a touch of adolescent rebellion into the proceedings.
Rounding out the trio, Cecil harbours a whimsical and contradictory ambition: to embody both the ferocious nature of a lion and the ethereal lightness of a fairy. Cecil’s dual role request encapsulates the very essence of the play’s blend of the animalistic, the human, and the supernatural, seen through the innocent yet earnest lens of a child or young person’s imagination.
These specific, idiosyncratic demands from the Jenkins siblings are expected to form the comedic and narrative backbone of this adaptation, interpreting the familiar plot through the filter of their peculiar, turn-of-the-century domestic theatrical endeavour.
Creative Team Shaping the Vision
The success of such a conceptual staging relies heavily on its creative execution. Director Toby Hulse is known for his work in theatre, often with a focus on engaging young audiences and exploring classic texts in innovative ways. His direction is anticipated to navigate the layers of the play – the original Shakespearean narrative, the 1905 London setting, and the Jenkins siblings’ meta-theatrical efforts – seamlessly.
The initial members of the creative team have been announced. Georgie White is credited with Set and Costume Design. White’s work will be crucial in establishing the 1905 London atmosphere while also accommodating the fantastical elements of the play and the likely homespun nature of the Jenkins’ own production. The design will need to visually articulate the contrast between the historical setting and the magical forest, as well as the amateur aesthetic of the internal play.
Will Monks is on board as Lighting Designer. Monks’ lighting will be vital in creating the necessary atmosphere, shifting between the reality of the Jenkins’ world, the enchantment of the forest night, and the various moods dictated by the unfolding plot and subplots. The interplay of light and shadow will likely play a significant role in differentiating the various narrative layers and enhancing the magical or comedic moments.
The full creative team, including sound design, choreography (if applicable), and other key roles, is yet to be revealed. The contributions of these artists will further shape the final aesthetic and feel of the production.
Dates and Venue Details
The production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will run at Southwark Playhouse Borough, a venue recognized for its commitment to producing diverse and engaging theatre in London. The run commences on September 5th, with performances continuing until September 27th, allowing for a limited but concentrated engagement with audiences.
As an accessible introduction to Shakespeare, this production offers a compelling entry point for individuals who may be new to the playwright’s work or seeking a fresh interpretation. The unique 1905 London setting and the focus on the relatable, if quirky, efforts of the Jenkins siblings provide distinct hooks to engage contemporary viewers.
This announcement from Southwark Playhouse signals a commitment to presenting classic theatre in dynamic and approachable ways. The combination of a beloved comedy, an innovative setting, and a focus on accessibility makes this upcoming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream a notable addition to London’s autumn theatre schedule.
