A Midsummer Night’s Dream

#A Shakespearean dreamscape of moonlit mischief and comedic charm.

Experience the wonder of Shakespeare in the whimsical A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Liam Scarlett. Brimming with mischief and mayhem, Shakespeare’s fantastical masterpiece interweaves the realm of fairies and woodland characters with the mortal world of unrequited lovers.

The tale takes place in a moonlit forest, where Fairy King Oberon and Fairy Queen Titania quarrel over a sleeping Changeling. Meanwhile, some inquisitive explorers enter the forest in search of exotic specimens, finding instead a dreamscape of mistaken identities, love triangles, and captivating characters that flit, hover, and flutter.

Beautifully enhanced by Tracey Grant Lord’s shimmering sets and costumes and Kendall Smith’s lighting designs, this Shakespearean comedy has captured imaginations for centuries. Scarlett’s witty choreography brings the woodlands and vivid characters to life, to the sublime score by Felix Mendelssohn. Scarlett choreographed A Midsummer Night’s Dream as a co-production for Queensland Ballet and the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 2015. Celebrated for his creative talents, Scarlett was appointed The Royal Ballet’s first Artist in Residence in 2012 and was Queensland Ballet’s Artistic Associate from 2016-2021. Don’t miss one of his most exceptional productions.

A co-production of Queensland Ballet and the Royal New Zealand Ballet. It was first performed in Wellington, New Zealand, on 20 August 2015.

Please note: This production is recommended for audiences aged 13+. The performance contains drug references and sexual references.

Liam Scarlett

Choreographer

Laura Morera

Stager

Felix Mendelssohn

Music

Nigel Gaynor

Music Arranger and Conductor

Tracy Grant Lord

Costume and Set Designer

Kendall Smith

Lighting Designer

Camerata – Queensland's Chamber Orchestra

Live Music Partner

#show extras

Program

A complimentary printed program is available at the performance. We encourage you to please take one between two.

You can also download the A Midsummer Night’s Dream program here.

Cast sheet

Download cast sheets for A Midsummer Night's Dream here.

#Meet the characters

Oberon & Titania

The King and Queen of the fairies. Oberon is a complex character; proud and powerful, mischievous yet possessive of a softer side. Titania is elegant and romantic with a fiery personality. She is swift to fall in love.

Puck

A fairy and Oberon’s apprentice. Dazzling and irrepressible, Puck is the ultimate mischief-maker who delights in causing chaos with his magical antics.

Lysander & Hermia

Lysander is a young gentleman explorer who is in love with fellow explorer Hermia and wants to run away with her. Hermia is also in love with Lysander but is pursued by Demetrius, whose feelings she does not return.

The Fairies

Cobweb, Peaseblossom, Mustardseed, and Moth.

Helena & Demetrius

Helena and Demetrius are both explorers. Romantic and thoughtful, Helena pines for Demetrius. However, Demetrius can be fickle with his emotions and is infatuated with Helena's lifelong friend, Hermia.