A production by Shakespeare’s Globe and Headlong with Bristol Old Vic and Leeds Playhouse

By William Shakespeare

Director Holly Race Roughan

Co-director Naeem Hayat

The world's no longer what it seems.

Following their hugely successful, A Raisin in the Sun in 2024, Oxford Playhouse associate company Headlong returns to our stage.

To escape a society ruled by tyrannical law, four young lovers flee to the forest beyond the city walls.

Unbeknownst to them, the world of the woods has been unsettled by a fierce battle between the Fairy King and Queen, Oberon and Titania, over the ownership of a stolen child.

Snow starts to fall in summer as the dispute rages on, and more people fall victim to the jealousy-fuelled forces of the powerful pair, and the disturbing spells of Oberon’s unruly lackey Puck. As day turns to night, and reality becomes illusion, can anyone stop the Dream from becoming a nightmare?

Following 2022’s ‘extraordinary’ ★★★★ (The Observer) co-production of Henry V, Shakespeare’s Globe collaborates once again with ‘hugely influential’ (Time Out) touring theatre company Headlong to shine candlelight on the shadowy underbelly of one of Shakespeare’s most-loved plays.

Headlong’s Artistic Director Holly Race Roughan directs, with co-direction from Naeem Hayat (The Comedy of Errors, 2023/24).

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This production is generously supported by Charles Holloway OBE.