A Midsummer Night's Dream (2016)

A modern re-telling of the classic fantasy drama by William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night's Dream holds a star-studded cast with euphoric effects and melodramatic storytelling.

Director:

David Kerr

Writers:

Russell T. Davies (adaptation), William Shakespeare (based on the play by)

Stars:

John Hannah, Nonso Anozie, Maxine Peake

2 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
John Hannah	...	Theseus
Nonso Anozie	...	Oberon
Maxine Peake	...	Titania
Matt Lucas	...	Bottom
Eleanor Matsuura	...	Hippolyta
Richard Wilson	...	Starveling
Paapa Essiedu	...	Demetrius
Bernard Cribbins	...	Snout
Colin McFarlane	...	Egeus
Elaine Paige	...	Mistress Quince
Fisayo Akinade	...	Flute
Varada Sethu	...	Peaseblossom
Elliot Levey	...	Philostrate
Javone Prince	...	Snug
Matthew Tennyson	...	Lysander

Storyline

Tyrannical dictator Theseus brings his captive bride, Amazonian queen Hippolyta, to Athens for a forced, dynastic union whilst statesman Egeus sentences his daughter Hermia to death for spurning arranged marriage to Demetrius in favour of true love Lysander, with whom she escapes to the woods. Demetrius follows, along with Helena who is besotted with him. Also in the woods a group of amateur actors, including pompous Nick Bottom, are rehearsing a play to perform at the ducal wedding. All are unaware that the fairy rulers of the woods. Oberon and Titania are engaged in a feud with Oberon taking revenge on his wife, helped by the sprite Puck, which involves her falling in love with the first person she sees - namely Bottom wearing a donkey's head. The four lovers are similarly bewitched by the charm and much confusion results before order is restored and the play goes ahead, with the fairies ensuring happy endings - for those who deserve it.

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Plot Keywords:

fantasy | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Fantasy | Romance

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Certificate:

TV-14

Did You Know?

Trivia

An interview in the UK Sunday Times revealed that actor David Tennant was originally hired to direct this TV special, but had to drop out (being replaced by David Kerr) due to personal life issues related to Tennant's wife's pregnancy. Tennant still acted unofficially as writer Russell T Davies' personal 'Shakespeare expert' during the time he was working on it.

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Connections

Version of A Midsummer Night's Dream (1999)

User Reviews

Shakespeare Gets an Upgrade

This is a BBC-imagined modern retelling of Shakespeare's classic, with a diverse and stellar cast, intense presentation, a compelling score, fantastic costume design and energy at every turn. And the 90-minute running time moves the story along quickly! Check it out.

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 May 2016 (UK)

Also Known As:

Ein Sommernachtstraum

Filming Locations:

BBC Studios, Cardiff, Wales, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

BBC Cymru Wales

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Color:

Color