Athens, via Tatooine, comes to Wimbledon

The production will involve a modern take on the Shakespeare classic: sexist stereotypes have been turned on their heads through constructive conversations with the cast, and a remote-control helicopter will be used as a form of transport. Performed in the new Auditorium as part of Project Ex Humilibus, the audience will sit on bean bags and camping chairs to create a “cosy campfire feel” to the performance, said Tristan Daws. The Lovers – Lysander and Helena, and Hermia and Demetrius – are double cast, played by Hannah Hitchings and Agnes Palmer as Lysander, Tabby White and Libby Thompson as Helena, Jewel Prime and Tara Martindale as Hermia and Lucie Matthews and Thandi Mapfumo as Demetrius. The cast consisting of both years 10 and 11s totals over 20 dedicated members, who are putting effort into the production on Wednesdays and Thursdays after school. 

One may think that the unprompted song and dance breaks create an odd production. However, Alice Clarke, a prospective audience member, said: “I’m excited to watch this production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream because the director [Tristan Daws] has taken creative liberation in order to represent the performers.” Cast member Greta Nightingale plays Flute and stated: “I’m excited to be in this production because I love Star Wars.” (I’m excited too, Alice and Greta.) ‘What does Star Wars have to do with one of Shakespeare’s most famous works written over 300 years before Star Wars?’ you might be asking yourself. The whole WHS community is eager to find out, too! 

The comical performances and dramatic lovers’ quarrels will take to the stage with information about getting tickets and other information closer to the dates of the performance. Until then, you will be left in suspense unable to figure out what on earth remote control helicopters and Star Wars have to do with A Midsummer Night’s Dream.