A Magical New Production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream Comes to Mercury Theatre
Mercury Theatre, Colchester to Host S4K International’s New Production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Colchester, UK – Mercury Theatre is delighted to announce a new collaboration with S4K International (Shakespeare 4 Kidz) ahead of the launch of their latest actor-musician production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The Surrey-based company will rehearse and premiere their acclaimed musical adaptation at the Mercury from Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16 October 2025, as part of the theatre’s autumn season.
The run will feature six performances, including five daytime shows for schools and a special evening performance on Wednesday 15 October, offering both young audiences and the general public the chance to experience this accessible and entertaining retelling of Shakespeare’s classic comedy.
As part of the collaboration, S4K will deliver Creative Shakespeare Workshops to schools across Colchester, Essex, and Suffolk, providing students with a unique opportunity to engage creatively with Shakespeare’s work.
First staged to five-star acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival in the late 1990s, A Midsummer Night’s Dream has since toured extensively across the UK and internationally, including a debut in Dubai in 2007. Known for its lively, easy-to-understand approach, the production has become a favourite in schools around the world.
The musical follows the Duke of Athens as he prepares to marry the Queen of the Amazons. Meanwhile, four young lovers flee into the woods, a group of local tradesmen rehearses a play for the royal celebrations, and the feuding Fairy King and Queen unleash chaos — all overseen by the mischievous sprite, Puck.
Julian Chenery, Founder and Creative Director of S4K, said:
“We are thrilled to be working with Mercury Theatre on the revival of this S4K favourite. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a very funny show, and we are delighted to launch it here in Colchester as part of its international tour.”
Antony Stuart-Hicks, Senior Producer at Mercury Theatre, added:
“Having performed in S4K’s Dream, I’ve witnessed the joy it brings to school audiences across the country. It’s a real privilege to collaborate with the company again and launch their new international tour from Mercury Theatre.”
Following its Colchester run, the production will travel to the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, Dubai’s Theatre by QE2, and other venues in Qatar and Bahrain.
Performance Schedule at Mercury Theatre:
- Tuesday 14 October: 10:30am & 1:30pm (schools)
- Wednesday 15 October: 10:30am (schools) & 7:30pm (evening)
- Thursday 16 October: 10:30am & 1:30pm (schools)
Tickets will be available at mercurytheatre.co.uk.