Offaly drama group to stage one of Shakespeare's classic plays

In this comic tale, not only do they venture into the new territory of Shakespeare’s forests, follies and fairy folk, but they also take us to the wonderful outdoor performance space of the new Esker Arts Centre. Designed in the style of the ancient Greek amphitheatres, with concrete steps as seating, TADS are delighted to be the first to perform in this space. The group are now hoping for fine weather over the four nights, Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 June. Patrons are advised to bring cushions and suitable clothing in case it gets chilly. In the event of extremely inclement weather, the performance may be moved inside.

“Thrilled with the opening of the new Arts Centre in Tullamore, the outdoor space seemed to invite something new and adventurous from us and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream seemed the obvious choice” director of the upcoming production, Fionnuala Corrigan commented. With most of the action taking place in the woods, where fairy folk play havoc with the love lives of mortals, Shakepeare’s most famous of comedies asks us to ponder the madness, magic and oft times dreamlike nature of love! As Demetrius asks, in the closing stages of the play, “But are you sure that we are now awake? It seems to me that yet we sleep, we dream” (Act4 Sc1)

With a cast of over twenty, this production sees TADS stalwarts such as Susan McDonnell, Damien Mitchell, Frank O’Brien and Daniel Murray tread the boards, but also introduces a host of new members, some taking to the stage for the first time.

The group look forward to you joining them and hope for balmy summer nights in the week ahead as they bring Shakespeare’s words to life, in this sometimes dreamy, sometimes mad-cap, mischievous comedy.

Tickets, €10, are available at eskerarts.ie or can be booked directly at the Arts Centre. Performance 7.30pm nightly, Tuesday 27 – Friday 30 June. Fáilte roimh chách.