Aspiring actors invited to 'be part of something magical'

All-Island production of 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ to be staged at Government House

A local theatre company is hoping to promote wider participation in, and enjoyment of, classic theatre as part of its 75th anniversary celebrations.

Next month the Manx Amateur Drama Federation is launching a 'Mastering Shakespeare' initiative curated by Shakespeare practitioner Edward Bennett.

It's being funded as part of the Isle of Man Arts Council's extraordinary events fund.

A series of workshops will be held in schools before a production of 'A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ is staged in September in the gardens of Government House.

The sessions will be open to all GCSE and A level English Literature students and will cover:

• Ability to explore complex characters and universal themes such as jealousy, friendship and consequences.
• Ability to recognise the enduring relevance of Shakespearean themes in their own lives and contemporary society
• Fostering critical thinking to draw connections between past and present

A further session will be held for anyone else who is interested in being involved in the production on 1 March.

Auditions will then be open to all Island residents on the weekend of 22/23 March.

Shakespeare practitioner Edward Bennett will continue to support the cast through the summer of 2025 with regards to character development and the production team in the creative aspects of the play.

This will be delivered through a series of four weekend visits, building on the initial workshops and aiding cast members’ understanding of the text.

Mr Bennett has been recommended to MADF by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

He has worked extensively with Creative Counties West Sussex and the Chichester Festival.

He is also an experienced actor appearing in several seasons at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and a range of film and television work.

His supporting practitioners for the workshops are Phoebe Hyder and Luke Osbourne who work with him at the Chichester Festival.

You can find more information on the play HERE.

Audition forms are available HERE and further production information HERE.

Rehearsals will then run from May through August.

Dress rehearsals will take place on 30/31 August and then the play will be performed on 5/6/7 September.