ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Director Holly Race Roughan's Contemporary Staging of A Midsummer Night's Dream

opinion-review · 2026-03-24

A new production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Holly Race Roughan, presents a fresh interpretation that emphasizes tension between control and chaos. The staging is a collaboration between Bristol Old Vic, Shakespeare's Globe, Headlong, and Leeds Playhouse. Michael Marcus portrays Theseus as a volatile and threatening ruler, while Sergo Vares plays Puck with a menacing edge. Tiwa Lade delivers a nuanced performance as Hermia, and Danny Kirrane brings contemporary depth to Bottom. The production incorporates modern elements like a Billie Eilish song and balances comedy with unsettling moments. It runs at Bristol Old Vic until March 21 and moves to Oxford Playhouse from March 24 to 28.

Key facts

  • Holly Race Roughan directs a new staging of A Midsummer Night's Dream
  • Production is a collaboration between Bristol Old Vic, Shakespeare's Globe, Headlong, and Leeds Playhouse
  • Michael Marcus plays Theseus as a cruel and unpredictable character
  • Sergo Vares portrays Puck with a menacing quality rather than traditional charm
  • Performances continue at Bristol Old Vic until March 21, then at Oxford Playhouse March 24-28

Entities

Artists

  • Holly Race Roughan
  • Michael Marcus
  • Sergo Vares
  • Tiwa Lade
  • Danny Kirrane
  • David Olaniregun

Institutions

  • Bristol Old Vic
  • Shakespeare's Globe
  • Headlong
  • Leeds Playhouse
  • Oxford Playhouse

Locations

  • Bristol
  • Oxford

Sources