Introducing ... the cast of A Midsummer Night’s Dream

A NEW COMMUNITY PRODUCTION AS PART OF HULL TRUCK THEATRE’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

HULL Truck Theatre continues to celebrate it’s exciting 50th anniversary programme with a local community production performed by local members of the community.

A magical experience that will transport audiences to an enchanted forest near Athens for a night of magic and mayhem.

Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (July 2 - July 9, 2022) is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and widely performed plays and celebrates the messy business of love.

This community production puts over 40 local people centre stage in a large-scale version with all the high-quality values audiences expect from a Hull Truck Theatre production. ‘See Notes to Editors for full cast list’ Our aim has been to encourage people of all ages, from all backgrounds to come together to create a piece of theatre, in doing so discovering new or awakening old interests.

The process has also been a chance for people to talk together about where they live, what they want to see and what they need from theatre, to be in a room with other local people with similar interests, providing a social environment to build relationships and inspire an interest in the arts, including the understanding of all areas of a production, the writing, choreography, costume and set design, directing and of course performing.

Directed by HTT’S Associate Director, Tom Saunders (Hull & High Water, TEN, Miracle on the Humber), the cast includes members from the Youth Theatre alumni, and Act III over 55s theatre makers and new participants who might have joined in one or more taster workshops.

The adventure begins when an argument between Oberon and Titania, King, and Queen of the Fairies, fills an enchanted forest with mischief.

At the same time, four young lovers face a tangle of unrequited love and for Hermia, the threat of death if she doesn’t marry the man her father has chosen.

Determined to be true to their hearts they escape into the woods, right into the hands of the fairies.

Bottom the Weaver and his comedy crew of Mechanicals are in the woods to rehearse a play for the upcoming royal wedding.

They too are caught up in the tricks of fairy Puck and his mischievous matchmaking.

When morning is on the horizon it is a race against time, will they all awaken from this confusion of a dream?

Tom Saunders: Director on A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Associate Director of Creative Learning said: “This city is full of extremely talented people, so I’m delighted to be placing the voices of local people at the heart of Hull Truck Theatre’s 50th anniversary year.

“Shakespeare’s rich and beautiful language paired with Hull’s vibrant and creative communities will be an absolute treat.

“This will be an exciting time for local participants who will be performing possibly for the very first time on the main stage at Hull Truck Theatre, making this an accessible opportunity for those who might so far have only ‘dreamed’ of performing in a theatre.

“We are committed to making sure that everyone can enjoy live theatre, whether as an audience member or by taking part.

“We passionately believe that theatre has the power to unlock creativity, spark joy, build confidence and encourage empathy and understanding of the world around us. Participants often make lasting connections and friendships, as well as having fun.

“Sadly, during the rehearsal period, we lost one of these friends, Hugh Newsam.

“Hugh was a long-standing member of Act III and greatly liked by participants and staff alike.

“We’re grateful to everything he has contributed to the theatre and the performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Saturday, July 9, is in celebration of his memory.” ■■Tickets are on sale now by visiting the website or calling the Box Office on 01482 323638.

For the full 50th anniversary programme visit, www.hulltruck.co.uk