Arcola Queer Collective

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

William Shakespeare, with new text by Patrick Cash

Directed by: Nick Connaughton

Arcola Queer Collective’s sell-out, critically-acclaimed production returns to Arcola for one week only.

Welcome to the forest. A surreal world of fairies, spells, incantations, magic – disorder made right by the mischief of the night.

When four young lovers escape to the woods, they find themselves embroiled in a battle of wills between the fairy king and queen. Nearby, a group of rude mechanicals are rehearsing for a performance at the wedding of Duke Theseus. When everyone’s paths cross, they become entangled in a heady, unpredictable chaos: one that threatens to tear the fair kingdom apart…

Blending cabaret, drag, spoken word, music and movement with Shakespeare’s original words, and a new text devised by Patrick Cash and the company, this Dream offers a provocative, darkly comedic meditation on love and relationships in the 21st century.

★★★★★ “Surely the most inventive, outrageous, and thoroughly enjoyable bending of the Bard that we’ve witnessed … An ingenious blending of classical theatre with burlesque, cabaret and queer politics … Do yourself a favour and run away with the fairies.” Gay Times

Monday – Saturday evenings at 8pm
£12 / £10 concessions

Saturday matinee at 3:30pm
£12 / £10 concessions

Gala night – Friday 18 December
All tickets £25. Includes admission to the show, a complimentary drink, a post-show discussion and music from Rudi Douglas. Support the Collective to create their next show!

Running time: 2 hours approximately (including interval)
Recommended for ages 16+
In Studio 1, seating is allocated.

Please note that this show is not eligible for booking with Arcola Passport.