Shakespeare and Clowning Collide in new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, starring Tweedy

Cheltenham

Venue: Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham

Prepare to be transported into a world of magic, mischief, and mayhem as the Everyman Theatre Company proudly presents a spellbinding new production of William Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The production, which will open at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham on March 21st, will then embark on a small UK tour following its premiere. Audiences in Malvern, York, Southampton and Coventry will also have the opportunity to experience the magical production this Spring.

In a brand-new twist, the show will feature Gloucestershire clown, Tweedy, in the iconic role of Bottom. Tweedy, who is well-known for his fifteen year tenure at Giffords Circus, and who will be touring his own show with Underbelly later this year, is renowned for his physical comedy and slapstick prowess. Tweedy’s unique clowning knowledge promises to infuse the production with extra hilarity, as he also takes on the role of Comedy Advisor for A Midsummer Night’s Dream, giving the classic Shakespeare play a modern facelift.

Tweedy will be joined by old friend Jeremy Stockwell (Alice’s Diner Theatre Company) in the role of Puck, with whom he previously starred in the Everyman Theatre Company’s 2019 production of Waiting For Godot. The A Midsummer Night’s Dream cast is completed by Troy Alexander (Oberon/Thesius), Natalie Winsor (Titania/Hippolyta), Oliver Brooks (Lysander/Starveling/Moth), Thomas Nelstrop (Demetrius/Snout/Cobweb), Laura Noble (Helena/Flute/Mustardseed), Nadia Shah (Hermia/Quince/Peaseblossom), Emmeline Braefield (Ensemble Fairy/Female understudy) and Ross Telfer (Ensemble Fairy/Male understudy).

Directed by Paul Milton (Waiting for Godot, Educating Rita), Creative Director at the Everyman Theatre, the production promises to be engaging for audiences of all ages, with its witty dialogue, physical comedy, and unforgettable characters.

He said of the show, “Our aim is to create an accessible Shakespeare show that will appeal to a present-day audience. So if you’re a great Shakespeare fan you will still get a lot of the classic text, but if you’re new to Shakespeare we want to make it as simple to understand as possible. Throw in Tweedy’s physical slapstick, and we think this is a really enjoyable show for everybody, especially families and students.”

The plot unfolds in an enchanted forest in Athens, and intertwines the romantic misadventures of four young lovers, the playful meddling of mischievous fairies, and the comedic antics of amateur actors, culminating in a magical tale of love, mistaken identity and reconciliation. This mesmerising rendition promises to transport audiences into a world of magic, mischief, and mayhem.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been sponsored by Kuoni, one of Europe’s leading travel groups.

Victoria Wilson, Kuoni Cheltenham Store Manager, expressed her excitement for the show, stating “We are delighted to be sponsors for the Everyman Theatre. It’s been great to be able to help reduce prices on tickets for school shows and to help make the theatre a little more accessible to the local community.”

Paul Milton commented on the partnership, saying, “We’re thrilled to have Kuoni on board as our sponsor for A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The play itself is all about journeys, both physical and emotional, and of course Shakespeare has set the play in Athens, which itself is a great Kuoni holiday destination”.

Tickets for A Midsummer’s Night Dream are now on sale, and are available at https://www.everymantheatre.org.uk/shows/a-midsummer-night-s-dream/ or by calling the Box Office on 01242 572573.

More details about Shakespeare and Clowning Collide in new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, starring Tweedy (External Link)

Everyman Theatre

Gloucestershire's biggest theatre which has been serving the county since 1891, offering a wide range of productions from musicals and comedies to dramas and ballet.

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