Shakespeare’s most magical comedy comes to life like never before

The Cheltenham Everyman Theatre staging of Shakespeare’s classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream, comes to York Theatre Royal from 9-13 April.

The Cheltenham Everyman Theatre staging of Shakespeare’s classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which comes to York Theatre Royal from 9-13 April, puts a twist on the familiar tale by casting comedy clown Tweedy in the iconic role of Bottom – and also making him ‘comedy advisor’ on the production.

Tweedy the clown is well-known for his 15-year tenure at Giffords Circus and renowned for his physical comedy and slapstick prowess. He has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to circus and the community. His unique clowning knowledge promises to infuse this Dream production with extra hilarity, giving the classic Shakespeare play a modern facelift. 

Director Paul Milton says: “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. 

Tweedy will be joined in the cast by old friend Jeremy Stockwell as Puck. The pair previously starred together in Everyman Theatre Company’s 2019 production of Waiting for Godot.

The 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).