'A Midsummer Night's Dream' announces full cast at the Barbican
Joining Mathew Baynton as Bottom, is Andrew Richardson as Oberon/Theseus and Katherine Pearce as Puck. Eleanor Rhode directs Shakespeare's play about love, magic, appearance, and jealousy.
The full cast has been announced for William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which opens at the Barbican in London on 3 December, running until 18 January, 2025.
Joining Mathew Baynton (Ghosts, Wonka) as Bottom, is Andrew Richardson (Guys and Dolls) as Oberon/Theseus and Katherine Pearce (Waterloo Road), who returns to the RSC as Puck.
New company members also include Alexander Bellinfantie (Moth), Eliza Smith (Mustardseed), and Natalie Thomas (Peaseblossom).
They join returning cast members Nicholas Armfield (Demetrius), Mathew Baynton (Bottom), Emily Cundick (Snout), Esme Hough (Cobweb), Ryan Hutton (Lysander), Laurie Jamieson (Snug), Neil McCaul (Egeus), Helen Monks (Rita Quince), Adrian Richards (Philostrate), Boadicea Ricketts (Helena), Sirine Saba (Titania/Hippolyta), Dawn Sievewright (Hermia), Mitesh Soni (Flute), and Premi Tamang (Starveling).
Director Eleanor Rhode said: “I am so excited to be back in the rehearsal room for A Midsummer Night’s Dream with our incredible company. There was so much joy and energy in the making of the original production, and this came through strongly to our audiences in Stratford, who responded in kind. What a treat to be able to get to do it all again - we can’t wait to fill the Barbican stage with love, laughter and magic!”
The rest of the creative team includes set and costume design by Lucy Osborne, illusion direction and design John Bulleid, lighting design by Matt Daw, compositions by Will Gregory, sound design by Pete Malkin, movement direction by Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster, video design by Will Duke, and fight and intimacy direction by Rachel Bown-Williams and Ruth Cooper-Brown.
Shakespeare's comedy play follows a mix of subplots, including a troupe of six amateur actors rehearsing a play before the wedding of Theseus and Hippolyta and the conflict between four, young Athenian lovers, who fall under the spell of Puck the fairy.
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Photo credit: Mathew Baynton, Katherine Pearce, and Alexander Bellinfantie. (Photos courtesy of production)
Frequently asked questions
What is A Midsummer Night's Dream - Barbican about?
One of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, comes to the Barbican Theatre following a sell-out run at the Royal Shakespeare Company. See the tale, which melds the real and fairy worlds, starring Mathew Baynton (Ghosts, Horrible Histories).
How do you book tickets for A Midsummer Night's Dream - Barbican?
Book tickets for A Midsummer Night's Dream - Barbican on London Theatre.
Where is A Midsummer Night's Dream - Barbican playing?
A Midsummer Night's Dream - Barbican is playing at Barbican Centre. The theatre is located at Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS.
How long is A Midsummer Night's Dream - Barbican?
The running time of A Midsummer Night's Dream - Barbican is 2hr 50min. Incl. 20min interval.
Who wrote A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
William Shakespeare wrote the play.
Who directed A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
Eleanor Rhode stages the show.
Is A Midsummer Night’s Dream appropriate for kids?
There is currently no age guideline for the show, but be aware that there is some strong language in the show in addition to sexual references and misogyny.
Is A Midsummer Night’s Dream good?
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays. This laugh-out-loud production was a smash hit at the Royal Shakespeare Company, where it had a sell-out run before transferring to the Barbican Theatre.
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