Edwardian England setting for Northampton's Dream

Published: 13 April 2013
Reporter: Steve Orme

Joe Alessi as Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream Credit: Robert Day
Silas Carson (Oberon) and Colin Ryan (Puck)

Mischief will be afoot when director Gary Sefton transposes the action of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream to Edwardian England in the latest play at Northampton's Royal and Derngate.

The Bard's best-loved comedy will be the third of the venue's Comedy Gold productions in its Made in Northampton season.

Sefton returns to Royal and Derngate after directing A Christmas Carol, Diary of a Nobody and Travels with My Aunt for the venue.

Taking the role of fairy queen Titania is Amy Robbins, best-known as Dr Jill Weatherill in the ITV series The Royal and fresh from starring in the West End as Mrs Johnston in Blood Brothers.

Colin Ryan plays Puck and Joe Alessi, last seen on the Royal stage in Brief Encounter in 2009, is Bottom.

The cast also includes Charlie Archer (Demetrius / Snout / Wall / Moonshine); Silas Carson (Theseus / Oberon); Oliver Gomm (Lysander / Flute / Thisbe); Frances McNamee (Helena / Snug / Lion); and Naomi Sheldon (Hermia / Quince).

Designer is Ti Green, lighting designer Richard Godin, composer and sound designer Jon Nicholls and assistant director Helen Barnett.

A Midsummer Night's Dream takes to the Royal stage from Friday (19 April) until Saturday 11 May. There will be a "twilight" performance on Tuesday 30 April at 5PM.

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