One of the world’s most famous plays will be unveiled in Aberdeen this week.
William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream has been adapted for several TV and film versions, and it has been updated and performed in all manner of settings.
But now, it will receive a fresh glow when professional north-east company, Ten Feet Tall Theatre, parades its ambitious show with a cast of 13 and a full creative team determined to prove that all the world’s a stage at Aberdeen Arts Centre.
The cast includes local professional actor Mark Wood in the roles of Oberon, The King of the Fairies and Theseus, the Duke of Athens.
This follows up his success as Ma Mackie in Jack And the Beanstalk, a previous partnership production.
Rebecca Wilkie (Helena), Danielle Jam (Hermia) and Ewan Petrie (Demetrius) all started their acting careers in youth and school productions in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and completing the four “lovers” of the play is Cristian Ortega whose new movie, Beats, was the closing event at the Glasgow Film Festival this month.
Elgin-born Ross Allen, who is regularly seen in pantomime at Eden Court in Inverness, takes on the famous comic role of “Bottom” supported by Stonehaven-based Stewart Aitken as Peter Quince, the leader of the famous “mechanicals”.
Completing the cast are Stephanie MacGregor as Puck the fairy, recently seen in the Scottish tour of the widely acclaimed Glasgow Girls musical and Belle Jones as Titania and Hippolyta whom north-east audiences might have seen in Doorways in Drumorty with Red Rag Theatre.
Cameron Mowat, co-founder of the company, said “We are delighted to be bringing together such an experienced cast for this production, especially as many have strong links to the region.
“It is great to have the support of Aberdeen Arts Centre as this production comes hot on the heels of our acclaimed pantomime partnership, ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, with them.
“After the rehearsal process, I believe we have a show that will do justice to the text and will bring lots of laughter and enjoyment to the audiences.
The performances run from March 21 to 23 and March 26 to 30 with Saturday matinees on March 23 and 30.
Tickets are available from Aberdeen Box Office at www.aberdeenperformingarts.com.