MEDIA RELEASE • 14 MAY 2024
Bell Shakespeare presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream, playing at The Story House on May 25 - 26 as part of its 2024 national tour to 23 cities and regional centres across Australia from March – June 2024.
Directed by Artistic Director Peter Evans, the production takes Shakespeare’s classic comedy and gives it new life, brimming with magic, mirth and mayhem.
Evans focuses on the play within the play, looking at the illusion of theatre and performance itself, with the assistance of Fight, Intimacy and Movement Director Nigel Poulton. A highly physical production with eight actors playing multiple parts, audiences will be taken on a whirlwind journey.
Acclaimed British-Australian actor Richard Pyros, who recently appeared in hit Hulu TV series The Great, will star as Oberon, alongside Māori actor Matu Ngaropo as Bottom, known for his recent role as George Washington in the Australian version of the Broadway sensation Hamilton. They join the previously announced cast of Ahunim Abebe, who makes her mainstage theatre debut as Hermia, Isabel Burton (Helena), Mike Howlett (Demetrius), Ella Prince (Puck), Imogen Sage (Titania/Hippolyta/Quince) and Laurence Young (Lysander). The creative team includes Designer Teresa Negroponte, Lighting Designer Benjamin Cisterne, Composer & Sound Designer Max Lyandvert.
With its everlasting tale of love, mischief, and mayhem, A Midsummer Night’s Dream promises a breathless journey into a world brimming with magic and modern twists, this story is sure to captivate both Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Quick as a shadow, fast, funny and family-friendly; this is A Midsummer Night’s Dream, reimagined.
Bookings can be made at https://geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/midsummer-nights-dream/, or by phoning the Box Office on 1300 251 200 between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
Geelong Arts Centre’s SEASON 2024 is proudly supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, Major Artistic Partner, Deakin University, and Innovation Partner, Costa Asset Management.
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QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE
“Blending the timeless with the contemporary, Bell Shakespeare excels at captivating a diverse audience of art enthusiasts.
Geelong Arts Centre remains devoted to curating cultural experiences that embrace our heritage while adapting to the evolving tastes of our patrons, ensuring our artistic offerings remain both relevant and compelling.”
Quote attributable to Geelong Arts Centre Head of Programming,
Penny McCabe
“A Midsummer Night’s Dream is very special to me, and whether you are revisiting an old friend in this play or are brand new to Shakespeare, it is a play to treasure.”
“We set a galloping pace as each of the three interwoven storylines play out, heightening the hilarity as misunderstandings lead to chaos. This truly is a play everyone can enjoy, and a great introduction to Shakespeare for the whole family. ”
Quote attributable to Bell Shakespeare Artistic Director,
Peter Evans
ABOUT BELL SHAKESPEARE
Bell Shakespeare is Australia’s national theatre company specialising in the works of William Shakespeare. Founded in 1990 with the aim of sharing Shakespeare’s plays in a way that was relevant and exciting to all Australians, the company has evolved further than its visionary founder, John Bell AO, could have hoped.
Today, Bell Shakespeare tours major theatre productions, education programs and outreach initiatives to every state and territory in Australia. Performing and teaching in theatres, schools, juvenile justice centres and regional and remote communities, the company enjoys unrivalled reach and impact, further extending its influence through innovative digital programs.
BILLING & CREDITS
Full billing and credits available at https://geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/midsummer-nights-dream/,
MEDIA KIT
For comprehensive show information, including venue descriptions, dates and times, ticket prices and media assets, and see PAGE 7 of the Geelong Arts Centre SEASON 2024 media kit here.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES AND ASSETS
For prospective interview opportunities and access to talent, please contact Acting Communications & Social Media Lead, Marli Dean.