Magical Comedy A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM to Start This Spring at The Epstein Theatre
By: BWW News Desk Apr. 12, 2017
It will be the first time Shakespeare's work has ever been performed at The Epstein and the director Daniel Taylor is planning to make his production as immersive as possible, using every inch of the historical theatre and ensuring the audience are involved as much as possible.
The Blood Brothers and Lennon: Through A Glass Onion star is planning to make the play accessible to people of all ages, whether you're a keen Shakespeare fan or have never before encountered the work of the Bard.
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're hoping to engage students as much as possible," explained Danny, "And we will be running a series of workshops at the theatre, as well as going into schools. As well as engaging them in the work of Shakespeare, we're hoping to give them confidence through drama."
One of The Bard's funniest and most popular plays, this version of A Midsummer Night's Dream is a timeless classic. Adapted by Helen Jeffery, this hilarious comedy promises to dazzle audiences with an unforgettable tale of love and adventure.
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.
Danny has sourced an amazing cast to perform his version of the play. He said: "I am so pleased with the cast which is 90% Scouse. Most of them have either trained here or are from the city and they have all done amazing work."
Sharon Byatt (Mrs Johnstone, Blood Brothers, Coronation Street and Bread) plays Titania, Chloe Taylor (Wicked) is Helena, Johnny Schumacher (Royal Shakespeare Company) is Oberon, James Templeton (Jesus Christ Superstar) plays Puck, Tim Lucas (Legally Blonde) is Flute and Sam Donovan ('Erics,' Liverpool Everyman) plays Lysander.
Daniel himself plays the character of Bottom. He said: "Bottom is great fun to play, one of Shakespeare's most likeable characters, he's a fantastic show off and is the butt of the play's jokes.
He added: "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."
There is 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.
Theatre manager, Rebekah Pichilingi, said: "With only a couple of weeks now until the launch of our first ever Shakespearian production, A Midsummer Night's Dream, we cannot wait to welcome one of Shakespeare's finest works to The Epstein stage."
"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!"
IF YOU GO:
A Midsummer Night's Dream
At The Epstein Theatre, Hanover House, 85 Hanover Street, Liverpool L1 3DZ
Dates: Tues, 25 - Sat, 29 April
Times: 11am, 1.30pm and 7.30pm
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)
Tickets: From £13 - £20
*All Prices Include A £1 Per Ticket Venue Restoration Levy.
* 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, 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.
*Subject to booking fee. All prices include a £1 per ticket venue restoration levy
For more details check out www.epsteinliverpool.co.uk and join our mailing list. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/EpsteinTheatre and twitter @EpsteinTheatre.
The Epstein Theatre (formerly known as The Neptune) was originally opened as Crane's Music Hall in 1911, and was a popular location for recitals and performances. It was renamed Crane Theatre in 1938. In 1967 the theatre was purchased from the Cranes by Liverpool Corporation, who decided that the theatre should be run by local people for local people and was named The Neptune Theatre. The Neptune also became a Comedy Club and after many years of uncertainty about the future of the theatre, it eventually closed in 2005. In July 2011, a £1million refurbishment of the theatre was completed which saw the Hanover Street venue brought up to 21st century standards and renamed 'The Epstein Theatre' in honour of former Beatles manager Brian Epstein, who guided the Fab Four from popular cellar act to global superstardom. The management contract was up for tender and was won by the well-established team behind Liverpool's annual Sound City Music Festival. The Theatre was officially opened on Wed 9th May 2012. Now an independent company Epstein Theatre Ltd, the venue has grown to become of the key venues for arts and live entertainment in the city with a strong programme of comedy, plays, live music and children's productions. The venue can also be hired out for private functions, weddings and conferences.
Photo Credit: Danny Burns
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