Press Release

MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM - 9th-21st AUGUST 2005
in THE OLD OBSERVATORY GARDENS, GREENWICH PARK SE10

' I have had a dream, past the wit of man to say what dream it was.'
(William Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night's Dream Act IV: Scene III)

Fantasy and illusion collide in Shakespeare's riotous comedy as fairy enchantments cause confusion for love struck mortals on the most magical night of the year.

Lord Strange's Men present the most popular and enthralling Shakespearean comedy of all, in the timeless setting of The Old Royal Observatory Gardens, Greenwich. Magic, misunderstandings and mischief prove 'the course of love never did run smooth' (Act I: Scene I) at least, until the hilarious happy ending.

The show promises something for everyone: an enchanting evening in a romantic setting, with all the charm and humour of a summer pantomime. This will be the only scheduled open-air production of A Midsummer Night's Dream in London this year - the al fresco theatrical event of the season in beautiful surroundings.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is the second production from the Lord Strange's Men theatre company. Dr Faustus, our first production, was a sell-out success and played to packed houses at the Rosemary Branch Theatre, London during March 2005. In addition to scheduled performances, an extra show was added due to demand for tickets, and a private daytime performance after the end of the run was booked for Hampstead Prep School.

The original Lord Strange's Men are believed to have been the first company to have employed William Shakespeare, and early works such as Titus Andronicus and the Henry VI trilogy were first performed under Lord Strange's theatrical patronage, as was Marlowe's The Jew of Malta.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is directed by David Evans Rees, director of last summer's successful production of Much Ado About Nothing in Greenwich Park. Performers include Martin Ritchie, Giles Alderson, Chris Rogers, Katerina Jugati, , Ellie Fitzhenry, Jenniefer Thorne, Ralf Collie, Nick Trumble, David Weinberg, Claire Brine and Gordon Ridout.

Come, sit on the grass, bring a rug and a picnic, and all that that entails, for an evening of entertainment everyone can enjoy!

Performances are at 6.30pm with additional matinees at 2.00pm on Saturday 13th August, Saturday 20th August and Sunday 21st August (please note there will be no performance on Sunday 14th August). Tickets are available at the gate or call Lord Strange's Men on 07952 016 435 for advance bookings.

To find out about group discounts (for parties of 9) or for more information about the production, please visit www.lordstrangesmen.com.

PR queries: Victoria: 07952 016 435 or victoria@lordstrangesmen.com