Theatres and the coronavirus outbreak

London theatres are permitted to open again to live audiences from Monday 17 May 2021.

Some smaller theatres have already made plans to reopen, though this does not apply yet to all venues.

Many of the big, popular shows in the West End have delayed reopening until later in the summer or Autumn.

We advise checking theatre websites for details about their particular reopening schedule and what you can expect when visiting.

A Midsummer Night's Dream

1 Jul to 1 Aug 2021

Multiple locations

A riotous and magical outdoor production of Shakespeare's most famous comedy, with a lots of opportunities for the community to get involved. Family Friendly!

A Midsummer Night's Dream at East London Shakespeare Festival

Image courtesy East London Shakespeare Festival

Show details

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Synopsis

The East London Shakespeare Festival (ELSF) is a new festival and theatre event merging the contemporary culture of East London with the wonderful storytelling of Shakespeare's plays in outdoor parks and community spaces across East London.

Supported by Arts Council England, ELSF is launching with its inaugural production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, a riotous outdoor production of Shakespeare's most famous play, combining the wonderful storytelling of the Bard with a flavour of East London culture.

Pure, unadulterated escapism, with live music, showstopper numbers in lovely outdoor settings.

Background information, advisory warnings

Age suitability: Family friendly

This is not traditional outdoor Shakespeare - it is performed in non-theatrical community spaces, with community at its heart, seeking inspiration from the diverse cultures of East London.

ELSF aims to bring communities together in a joyful way following a period of isolation, giving some much- needed cultural respite in 'safe' outdoor settings.

With lots of participatory opportunities for local communities to get involved in.

A festival feel will be encouraged with gates opening an hour before the show, pre-show workshops, including flower and fairy garland-making and BYO picnics and the audience might even spot the odd festival fairy wandering around!

At each venue, the production will feature a community ensemble of local residents and is partnering with local performing arts college Big Creative and Leyton Orient Trust to provide placements and offer behind- the- scenes insight, support with creative career options & new skills for their students.

There are Pay-What-You-Can performances & school matinees.

Dates and venues:

Higham Hill Hub (Walthamstow) - 01 - 04 July

Lloyd Park, The Island (Walthamstow) - 08 - 11 July

Jubilee Park (Leyton) - 15 - 18 July

Wanstead Park (Redbridge/Epping) - 31 July - 01 Aug