The Epstein Theatre proudly presents its first ever Shakespeare Production. The most magical of comedies A Midsummer Night’s Dream is brought to the stage by Daniel Taylor Productions Ltd from Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th April.
One of The Bard’s funniest and most popular plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been adapted by Helen Jeffery and this timeless comedy promises to dazzle audiences with an unforgettable tale of love and adventure.
An array of the city’s finest talents come together to tell this most remarkable of tales.
Daniel Taylor (Lennon Through A Glass Onion, Blood Brothers) plays the character of Bottom and will be joined on stage by Sharon Byatt (Mrs. Johnstone, Blood Brothers, Coronation Street and Bread) as Titania, Chloe Taylor (Wicked) as Helena, Johnny Schumacher (Royal Shakespeare Company) as Oberon, James Templeton (Jesus Christ Superstar) as Puck, Tim Lucas (Legally Blonde) as Flute and Sam Donovan as Lysander (‘Erics,’ Liverpool Everyman.
On a midsummer night, four young lovers find themselves wrapped in the dream-like arms of an enchanted forest where sprites lurk and fairies rule.
While a feuding Fairy King and Queen are at war, their paths are crossed by Bottom, Quince and their friends presenting a play within a play. Chief mischief-maker Puck is on-hand to ensure that the course of true love is anything but smooth, and games of fantasy, love and dreams ensue in Shakespeare’s most beguiling comedy
This production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is designed to appeal to a young audience and will be of particular interest to GCSE students as the play is currently included in the National Curriculum.
There is also a series of workshops and Q&As with cast members planned for young people to attend at The Epstein Theatre, as well as at schools, but book fast as places are limited.
The play is being directed by acclaimed Liverpool actor Daniel Taylor, star of Lennon Through A Glass Onion, Blood Brothers and The Tommy Cooper Show, who also has his own Liverpool-based theatre company Daniel Taylor Productions LTD.
Daniel explained:, “Our production will appeal to schools and colleges who are currently studying Shakespeare. We have produced a shorter version which is approximately 55 minutes each act, without losing any of the comedy or magic.
“We have created an immersive and interactive production with the action taking place throughout the theatre, making the most of the beautiful space which is The Epstein Theatre.”
Mr. Taylor’s love of Shakespeare began when he performed The Bard’s plays at The Shakespeare Gardens in New York during his days in youth theatre.
Daniel revealed, “The strength of our production will be in the storytelling brought to life by an incredible cast. This play will appeal to all ages and is full of magic, merriment and mischief which makes this play so special.”
Theatre manager, Rebekah Pichilingi, said, “The Epstein Theatre is very excited to present its first ever Shakespeare play and what better production than the timeless classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream?
“Daniel Taylor is a fantastic actor who wowed the crowds with his performance as John Lennon here last year so I’m sure Danny and his all-Scouse cast (well 90%) will do Shakespeare proud with his version of this hilarious love story!”
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Dates: Tues, 25th – Sat, 29th April
Times: 11am, 1.30pm and 7.30pm
Tickets: From £13 – £20
*All Prices Include A £1 Per Ticket Venue Restoration Levy.
MND School Workshops and Q&As with cast members at The Epstein Theatre and at your school or college – **See Below
Wed 26 April 2017: 10.30am-12pm (30 places available)
Thu 27 April 2017: 10.30am-12pm (30 places available)
* Performance and Workshop Price: £20
**Following the production run, the cast of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will also be available to provide workshops at schools should the advertised sessions fill. This would be covered by the £20 workshop/ticket price advertised. Please make your interest known when booking your tickets.
To book tickets please call 0844 888 4411* or go online at www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk* or in person at The Epstein Theatre Box Office from 2pm – 6pm Monday – Thursday and 12pm-6pm Friday – Saturday.