Oxford Playhouse is delighted to welcome back its Associate Partner, Headlong, with a brand-new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dreamby William Shakespeare.

Direct from the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse at Shakespeare’s Globe, the production will run in Oxford from Tuesday 24 to Saturday 28 March 2026.

Directed by Headlong’s Artistic Director, Holly Race Roughan, this striking new staging will continue the pioneering theatre company’s lens of staging all plays like they are new plays, no matter their age or place in the public conscience, asking audiences to look at the stories they think they know afresh.

Holly Race Roughan said:

“The world of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a turbulent one, the natural environment is upside down and unpredictable, and the political and social landscape is on edge, creating a sense of tension that we are all experiencing today.

“This new staging will explore some of the darker elements of Shakespeare’s well-known comedy, turning it on its head and asking us to reexamine its themes and subject matter.

“Following a highly successful collaboration on Henry V, it is a joy to be partnering once again with Shakespeare’s Globe and our committed national partners to allow audiences to meet this play in the moment we are in”.

The production is by Headlong and Shakespeare’s Globe, with Bristol Old Vic and Leeds Playhouse. The creative team includes Co-Director Naeem Hayat, Designer Max Johns and Movement Director Malik Nashad Sharpe.

In the depths of winter, discover the magic of A Midsummer Night's Dream as you've never seen it before.

To escape a society ruled by tyrannical law, four young lovers flee to the forest beyond the city walls. But the world of the woods has been turned upside down by a fierce battle between the Fairy King and Queen, Oberon and Titania, over a stolen child.

As their quarrel deepens, others fall prey to jealousy, manipulation, and the dark spells of Oberon's unruly Puck. As day turns to night and snow begins to fall in summer, can anyone stop the dream from turning into a nightmare?

The production follows Headlong’s hugely successful A Raisin in the Sun which toured to Oxford in October 2024. The production marked the beginning of a new relationship between the theatre company and The Playhouse as associate partners. Headlong, who were founded in the city as Oxford Stage Company, now use the venue as their ‘home ground’ and partner with The Playhouse on early career development programmes as well as Main Stage work.

Tickets at Oxford Playhouse start at £15. Friends of Oxford Playhouse can enjoy discounts of up to 50% on selected shows, as well as priority booking and no fees. For more information on how to become a Friend member, visit The Playhouse website.