Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream play arrives in London in a new candlelit staging directed by Holly Race Roughan, whose recent collaboration with Headlong on Henry V earned strong critical praise. This co-production with Bristol Old Vic and Leeds Playhouse plays entirely within the intimate Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, where live music by Nicola T Chang, movement direction by Malik Nashad Sharpe, and Max Johns’s design build a world shaped by chaos, desire, and mischief. The cast, including Hedydd Dylan, Michael Marcus, Sergo Vares, and Tara Tijani, leads a playful, sharp, winter-inflected take on Shakespeare’s most imaginative comedy.
Four young lovers flee a rigid city into a forest unsettled by a rift between the Fairy King and Queen. Their dispute entangles mortals, performers, and sprites, blurring the line between choice and enchantment. As Puck’s mischief deepens the confusion, reality bends under spells, rivalries, and mistaken identities. Snowfall in midsummer, shifting loyalties, and dreamlike reversals push the lovers toward confrontation and discovery. Whether harmony returns, or darkness holds its ground, lingers until the final moments.
Show timings for A Midsummer Night’s Dream may vary every week. You can check the show timings for your preferred date at the next stage of booking.
The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare's Globe, is an indoor, candlelit theater modeled on 17th-century playhouses. Its timber galleries, narrow pillars, and intimate layout create close proximity between actors and audience. Known for drama, music, and experimental Shakespeare, the venue has become a home for atmospheric reinterpretations, including Globe collaborations and major visiting companies. The warm glow of real candlelight shapes each production, adding texture to plays rooted in illusion, power, and hidden emotion.
The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Available facilities: Restrooms, bar, lobby seating, cloakroom, merchandise kiosk
Accessibility: Step-free access to foyer, accessible toilets, limited wheelchair seating, companion seats, induction loops, and staff support for mobility needs
I loved the attention to detail in the theatre, and how from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave you are getting an incredible experience, not just a show! I love how excited and happy that makes everyone. Not to mention the show itself was incredible!!
We wanted to tour the theater and wanted to see a show in London. This was a brilliant opportunity to do both. Exceeded our expectations. A caution to visitors. We were very lucky to get the only available taxi driver ( there on call for someone else - agreed to take us and return for his booked clients) to first take us to our hotel 10 minutes away. Suggest setting up an arrangement ahead oif time.
Traditional Shakespeare with modern trimmings. Excellently executed by the cast and support team. Literature truly came to life. This is a must for anyone visiting London.
The theatre and the atmosphere is such a dream. I heard before about Shakespeare but I've never expected to be in a midnight's summer dream however a friend come to invite me and fortunately I join them. It was an amazing experience in the heart of London. I understood the meaning but many times I got lose however I won't forget it ever.
Gave these tickets to my daughter and her partner as I couldn't make it. She is now a Bard convert! They were 'proper lolling' as she put it! Fantastic!! Well done again !!
The cost of the tickets starts from £6.25 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The play does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for ages 12 years and above. The production contains loud noises, strong language, scenes of sexual content, drug use, and gunshots.
The show is playing at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare's Globe in London.
The running time of the play is 2 hours and 30 minutes with one 20-minute intermission.
Yes. Drinks and light snacks are available at the venue bar and can be taken into the auditorium in approved containers.
It follows four lovers who flee rigid Athenian rules, only to land in a forest ruled by Oberon and Titania, whose feud triggers illusions, mismatched romances, and magical chaos.
The main stars of the play are Hedydd Dylan as Hippolyta/Titania, Jack Humphrey as Egeus/Quince, Lou Jackson as Demetrius/Cobweb, Tiwa Lade as Hermia/Mustardseed, David Olaniregun as Lysander/Moth, Tara Tijani as Helena/Peaseblossom, Sergo Vares as Puck, and Michael Marcus as Theseus/Oberon.
Director Holly Race Roughan and theater company Headlong bring a contemporary psychological edge, focusing on the play’s instability, shifting identities, and blurred realities.
Yes. The language remains Shakespeare’s, but the staging, pacing, and design choices reinterpret scenes through a modern lens, emphasizing emotional stakes and the unsettling side of enchantment.
Yes. While the text is original, the staging, movement, and visual storytelling make character motivations and plot shifts easy to follow. The production is accessible for first-time Shakespeare viewers.