The Producers of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this year’s Stafford Festival Shakespeare Production, can exclusively reveal that Peter Rowe will be returning as Director following the hugely successful Romeo and Juliet. On returning Peter said: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a very special play and it’s not for nothing that it’s the favourite outdoor Shakespeare. It’s a beautiful play about illusion and reality and how close being in love is to being mad and the madness of being in love”
Peter has been able to discuss early ideas for the show, revealing a late Victorian setting for the production, listing Victorian style brass bands and Gilbert and Sullivan as key influences.
On reflecting back on the 2012 Stafford Festival Shakespeare production Peter commented: “we had a really good company and I was very proud of the show” After a particularly wet summer last year Peter added: “I think A Midsummer Night’s Dream is the one play that can cope with anything! If it does pour with rain it’ll add to the story and the experience. But I do think it’ll be a better experience all round if it’s drier than last year!”
The first cast member to be confirmed is Eric Potts, in the role of Bottom. Eric last performed to critical acclaim at Stafford Festival Shakespeare in 2011 as Dromio of Syracuse, in The Comedy of Errors. He is also fondly known for playing Diggory Compton in Coronation Street. Peter added: “there couldn’t be a better part for Eric, we’re going to have a lot of fun!”
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| Eric Potts |
When discussing the iconic comedy role Eric commented: “I’ve wanted to play this role since leaving Drama College! I did a radio version a few years ago but it’s taken 26 years to be able to play Bottom on stage!”
He added: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream is such a wonderful balance of comedy and love story, there’s something there for everyone. I think its one of Shakespeare’s best comedies and I know with the way we’ll be doing at the castle with live music it’ll be absolutely magical”.
On working with Director Peter Rowe again Eric said: “the way Peter has directed over the last few years has made it very accessible and I think people who perhaps would have been slightly afraid of spending hard earned money on watching Shakespeare know they’re going to get a real fun evening they’re going to enjoy”
A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed at Stafford Castle 27th June-13th July. Tickets are available from £10-£23.50 and can be reserved by calling the Box Office on 01785 254653 or by visiting www.staffordfestivalshakespeare.co.uk
Featuring the festivals much loved combination of original music, celebration and unique setting, this magical comedy is set to again be a highlight in Staffordshire’s cultural calendar.
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| Eric with Phylip Harries in Comedy of Errors 2011 |
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