Magnificent Bastard announce extra dates for A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Preview by Lizzie Guilfoyle
MAGNIFICENT Bastard have announced extra dates for Shit-faced Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which is now playing at Leicester Square Theatre until June 11. After a short break, it will continue at the venue from June 30 to August 27, 2016 (Thursdays to Saturdays only).
Previously Posted: Following sell-out runs at the Brighton and Edinburgh Fringe festivals, Magnificent Bastard Productions will be bringing their irreverent hit to Leicester Square Theatre for a seven-week run, their longest London lock-in.
Each night – from April 26 to June 11, 2016 – the company will be performing Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with one member of the cast toasting the bard’s 400th anniversary by playing their role completely, blisteringly drunk.
Producer and performer, Stacey Norris, said: “As we lay out the barmats and party hats for the Bard’s 400th anniversary, we’re delighted to be introducing a new generation of theatre goers to Shakespeare with an ale in one hand and a wine in the other and a vodka in the other, just the way he would have wanted. Our livers would like to remind our audiences to always enjoy Shakespeare responsibly.”
Artistic Director of Leicester Square Theatre, Martin Witts, said: “For the first time at Leicester Square Theatre we’re excited to be welcoming several actors who are actually sober. Please leave your horse at home and drink responsibly.”
The cast includes David Ellis, Lewis Ironside, Louise Lee, John Mitton, Stacey Norris, Beth-Louise Priestley, Saul Marron and Rob Smythson. Five actors perform each night on a rotational basis.
Sh*t-faced Shakespeare in numbers:
1. 6 Years old and still 0 deaths.
2. Over 250 shows performed in the UK and the USA.
3. Times the Dawson’s Creek theme tune has been drunkenly sung: 37.
4. 29 individual nipples displayed on stage (62% of them male).
5. Number of prosthetic limbs used during sword fights: 1.
Magnificent Bastard Productions was formed in 2010.
The production is suitable for ages 16+.
Tickets: £20.50 – £18.50. To book, call the box office on 020 7734 2222 or visit www.leicestersquaretheatre.com/.
Times: Tuesday to Saturday at 7pm.
Running Time: 70 minutes.
For more information visit www.magnificentbastard.co.uk/.
Also at Leicester Square Theatre: the world premiere of Jeepers Creepers, a play about comedy star Marty Feldman and his ambitious wife, Lauretta (January 18 to February 20, 2016).