Historic Bristol Lido transformed into unique setting for Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Bristol’s Eastville Park Lido will be the setting for a new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Insane Root Theatre will present Shakespeare’s classic for an eight-week run this summer.
It follows the company’s previous award-winning run of Romeo and Juliet at the same location (pictured above) and its 2021 production of Hansel and Gretel at Arnos Cemetery.
The vibrant open-air performance will present a magical retelling of the Bard’s work by transporting audiences into a world of mischief, mistaken identity and mayhem: adapted to a 1hr 40 minute running time and featuring an ensemble of nine professional performers playing multiple roles.
The production will be tailored to the site’s blend of Victorian crumbling lido, modern graffiti, and community spirit, reflecting themes of love, loss of identity, culture clash, rebirth, and reunion.
Action will take place all around and amongst the audience, with integrated acapella harmonies, electronic sound, and dynamic, site-responsive design.
Directed by Hannah Drake and adapted by Drake & Justin Palmer, the creative team includes composer & musical director Ellie Showering, costume & set designer Katy Hoste, lighting designer Edmund McKay, movement & fight director Kev McCurdy and sound designer Dan Pollard.
Justin Palmer, Insane Root Co-Founder and Producer said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be bringing this timeless and universally entertaining production to Eastville Lido.
“Having worked in this venue before we are very excited to create an enchanting space and transport audiences throughout the summer into Shakespeare’s charming forest fairy world.”
For more information and tickets, visit www.insaneroot.org.uk/midsummer
