John Hannah (Atlantis), Maxine Peake (Silk), Matt Lucas (Little Britain), Eleanor Matsuura (Spooks) and Hiran Abeysekera (Lion In The Tent) have signed on for starring role in BBC One’s new take on the William Shakespeare play A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is set in the tyrannical court of Athens and the magical forest around the city. The BBC ‘s new take is described as being “funny, exciting and will have as much attitude and invention as any theatrical interpretation”. The one-off drama is envision as being family friendly, which “everyone” can enjoy.
John Hannah has been cast as Theseus, Maxine Peake as Titania, Matt Lucas as Bottom, Eleanor Matsuura as Hippolyta and Hiran Abeysekera as Puck. Elaine Paige, Richard Wilson, Bernard Cribbins, Javone Prince, Fisayo Akinade, Prisca Bakare, Paapa Essiedu, Kate Kennedy and Matthew Tennyson also star.
Penned by Doctor Who and Torchwood scribe Russell T. Davies, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is being produced by BBC Cymru Wales in association with BBC Worldwide, who will handle international sales. The executive producers are Russell T Davies and BBC Wales’ Faith Penhale and Brian Minchin. Nikki Wilson is the producer, while David Kerr has come on board to direct.
“This is such an exciting range of actors from stage and screen, from wild comedy to high drama, and some making their first ever appearance on camera”, said writer and executive producer Russell T. Davies. “The Dream is coming to life like never before.” Production on the 90 minute one-off drama is set to commence next month in Cardiff for a 2016 premiere on BBC One as part of the channel’s Shakespeare season.
