Queer Brummie reimagining of A Midsummer Night's Dream at Birmingham Rep

A new production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at Birmingham Repertory Theatre reimagines Shakespeare's comedy as a queer love story set in modern-day Birmingham. Artistic director Joe Murphy has changed the character Lysander to Lysandra, creating an all-female couple with Hermia, which he says makes the text more relevant to young people by showing that 'love is never wrong'. The production features regional Brummie, South Asian, and African Caribbean accents, alongside hit pop music and original songs. About half the cast are from the West Midlands, including three discovered through open auditions. Charlotte Wallis from Wolverhampton makes her professional stage debut as Helena, and local drag artist Adam Carver (Fatt Butcher) plays Puck, bringing their drag persona to the role. Co-director Madeleine Kluje works on a Shakespeare play for the first time. The Birmingham Rep pioneered modern-dress Shakespeare with its 1923 Cymbeline. The production targets younger audiences with 5,000 tickets at £5 for under-25s and free admission for accompanying teenagers. Runs from 25 April to 24 May.