An Australian Shakespeare Company classic and the jewel in the Shakespeare comedy crown, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is returning to Melbourne this year to dazzle and delight audiences of all ages
Starring Alison Whyte as Bottom and Nicole Nabout as Titania, theatregoers will be transported to the enchanting world full of laughter and comedy that is The Australian Shakespeare Company’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream like you’ve never seen it before.
Mornington Peninsula resident Madeleine Somers is performing in the role of Snug. Summer 2023-24 marks her tenth year performing with The Australian Shakespeare Company.
“All I remember wanting as a child was to grow up and be an actress, something that I think a lot of young girls grow out of – I guess I’m just more stubborn. I dreamt of being on stage in front of hundreds of people entertaining them with wacky faces and immersing myself in out of this world characters,” commented Somers.
“I remember being in school and going to see The Australian Shakespeare Company’s production of Romeo & Juliet. Ten-year-old Maddie was in awe. An old school friend recently reminded me that during that performance I leaned into her and said, ‘that’s going to be me one day’. Little did I know that I would be performing on that very stage for ten consecutive summers. Pinch me!”
“This past decade has been nothing other than thrilling. I’ve gotten to fall down a white rabbit hole in Alice in Wonderland, rollerblade my way through the curious world of The Comedy of Errors, sing aboard a pirate ship in The Pirate Party, fall in and out of love in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, cause havoc in the world of Romeo & Juliet, and produce slapstick comedy in the form of a security guard in Much Ado About Nothing, amongst many more hilarious adventures.”
“My career, the characters I’ve become, the worlds I’ve travelled to, and the person I am is all a credit to Glenn Elston. He’s encouraged me to play, be silly, pushed me, and allowed the hopes and dreams of a ten-year-old little girl to come true. I’m beyond grateful for the fruitful and ever entertaining life he’s bestowed on me. Here’s to ten more years in the funky, hilarious, incredible world of The Australian Shakespeare Company.”
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens, lit up and sparkling at night, audiences will be taken on a riotous ride through the world of lovers, fairies and fools from December 16 until February 11.
The Australian Shakespeare Company Artistic Director, Glenn Elston OAM, said, “We’ve reimagined A Midsummer Night’s Dream in a way that makes it even more accessible and in step with today’s world. It is a rare opportunity to present a play that concerns itself with themes so relevant to the current state of the world and reflective of the never changing effects of the human condition.
It is a wonderful experience to enjoy art and nature together under the stars, bonding with the performers as we all experience the same open air conditions and go on the adventure with the characters in a more immersive style without the restrictions of a normal theatre. Let us take you on a riotous ride through the interwoven world of Lovers, Fairies and Fools set against the picturesque botanic gardens as you enjoy a picnic with your loved ones.”
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, Melbourne Gardens – Southern Cross Lawn, 100 Birdwood Avenue, South Yarra
Tickets: $25 – $99, visit shakespeareaustralia.com.au, call 8676 7511 or via Ticketmaster
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