A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare, a staple of the school english literature curriculum for decades, is one of the most well-loved Shakespeare plays of the last two centuries and it's coming to ROSL on Friday 5 July. 

A firm audience favourite, with productions being found at least twice within the summer programmes in the London theatres each year with many more around the UK and the rest of the world. Its sphere of influence has reached further than the Earth even, with William Herschel naming some of Uranus’ moons after the King and Queen of the fairies, Oberon and Titania in 1787.

Whether you are a firm believer in the Bard, or believe that De Vere, Marlowe, Johnson or anyone else produced the works, fans of the plays can always agree that the work does speak for itself regardless of authorship. By some, it is considered to be one of Shakespeare’s most perfect achievements in comedy, the play explores many themes, drawing on a number of literary sources from Chaucer to Ovid whilst arguably commenting on a potentially recent work of his, Romeo & Juliet. The style of the prose and poetry puts it firmly in the later stages of the plays and with its complex array of twists and colourful characters, it keeps audiences entertained and gives directors endless places to take it to.

The language will be the main focus of Shakespeare for Summer: A Midsummer Night’s Dream. A fun day of workshops, actor-led readings focussing on the play. The day will be led by Dr. Paul Edmondson, Head of Research and Knowledge and Director of the Stratford-upon-Avon Poetry Festival for the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Participants in the day will be invited to think about the play in terms of poetry and not just theatre. Actors from the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust will also be in attendance, to add little moments of performance throughout the day to help illustrate the text.

It is sure to be a fantastic day for all involved, delving deeper into a much-loved play. Lunch and refreshments are included with the cost of the ticket with the day culminating with a relaxed glass of bubbly in the ROSL Garden. Everyone is welcome. Book here.

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