A Midsummer Night's Dream Cast Revealed for Regent's Park Open Air Theatre 2025

One of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies is heading back to one of London's most magical performance spaces this summer. Regent's Park Open Air Theatre has confirmed the full company for its highly anticipated production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, directed by Atri Banerjee. The enchanting revival will play from 20 June to 18 July 2025, with a press night scheduled for 29 June.

There are few better theatrical experiences than watching Shakespeare performed outdoors on a warm summer evening, and the Open Air Theatre's wooded setting in Regent's Park feels almost purpose-built for this particular play. With its woodland sprites, moonlit lovers, and troupe of bumbling amateur actors rehearsing among the trees, A Midsummer Night's Dream and this iconic venue are a match made in theatrical heaven.

Who's in the Cast?

The production boasts a talented ensemble of 17 performers bringing Shakespeare's layered comedy to life. Nadeem Islam takes on the scene-stealing role of Bottom, the weaver who finds himself transformed with an ass's head and becomes the unlikely object of the fairy queen's affections. Jenny Rainsford will double as Titania and Hippolyta, while Olivier Huband takes on the dual roles of Oberon and Theseus, a traditional doubling that underlines the parallels between the mortal and fairy worlds.

Georgia Bruce has been cast as Puck, the mischievous sprite whose love potion blunders send the play spiralling into delightful chaos. The four young lovers caught up in that romantic confusion will be played by Misia Butler (Lysander), Terique Jarrett (Demetrius), Hiftu Quasem (Hermia), and Mary Malone (Helena).

Rounding out the company of "mechanicals" are Harriet Gordon-Anderson as Quince, Issam Al Ghussain as Flute, Neil D'Souza doubling as Snug and Egeus, Evie Jones as Snout, and Dumile Sibanda as Starveling. The fairy retinue includes Rachel Barnes (Moth), Amelia Gabriel (Mustardseed), Rori Hawthorn (Cobweb), and Damien James (Peaseblossom).

Director Atri Banerjee's Vision for the Park

Director Atri Banerjee has spoken about the unique thrill of staging this particular play in this particular setting. Quoting the character of Quince directly, Banerjee noted that the line "This green plot shall be our stage" takes on an entirely literal meaning when performed in Regent's Park's open-air amphitheatre surrounded by ancient trees and open sky.

"There is no play better suited to the Park's surroundings," Banerjee said, describing the responsibility of creating this version for 2025 audiences as both "immense and thrilling." The director expressed excitement about working with what he called "this extraordinary group of actors and creatives to make art, make music, and collectively dream this summer."

Drew McOnie, the Open Air Theatre's artistic director, echoed that enthusiasm, welcoming the company and describing them as "actor musicians" who will bring the much-loved Shakespeare text back to the venue's stage. McOnie promised audiences would be "transported from Athens to the fairy kingdom once again" in what he called a "visionary production."

Original Music and a Stellar Creative Team

One of the most intriguing aspects of this production is the involvement of Maimuna Memon, who has composed an original score for the show. With the cast described as actor musicians, the production looks set to weave live music throughout the performance, adding an extra layer of enchantment to the already atmospheric outdoor setting.

Rachel Barnes serves double duty as both a cast member (playing Moth) and the production's musical director. The wider creative team is equally impressive. Naomi Dawson handles set design, while Tomás Palmer is responsible for costumes. Joshua Pharo provides lighting design, and Max Pappenheim oversees sound, both crucial elements when staging theatre in an outdoor environment where the natural light and ambient sounds of the park become part of the experience.

Further creative contributions come from Anjali Mehra as movement director, Yarit Dor as intimacy and fight director, Amara Heyland as associate director, Emma Woodvine as voice and text director, and Jacob Sparrow as casting director.

A Touring Production Arrives in London

Before settling into its London home, this production of A Midsummer Night's Dream is currently touring, with performances already underway in Leicester before visiting Bristol and Southampton. This means the company will arrive in Regent's Park well rehearsed and road-tested, with the production already honed and refined through several weeks of live performance.

Touring productions that land in London often benefit from this process, arriving with a confidence and polish that can be hard to achieve in a standard rehearsal room. By the time the cast steps onto the Regent's Park stage, they will have had the chance to discover what works, refine their timing, and deepen their performances in front of real audiences.

regent-s-park-open-air-theatre-is-special-4">Why Regent's Park Open Air Theatre Is Special

Regent's Park Open Air Theatre holds a unique place in London's cultural landscape. Operating only during the summer months, the venue has been presenting theatre in the heart of one of London's Royal Parks since 1932. Its 1,256-seat auditorium is surrounded by greenery, and performances take place as the sun sets and darkness falls, creating a genuinely atmospheric experience that no indoor theatre can replicate.

Over the years, the venue has built a formidable reputation, particularly for Shakespeare and large-scale musicals. Past productions have transferred to the West End and Broadway, and the theatre regularly receives Olivier Award nominations and wins. Under Drew McOnie's artistic leadership, the venue continues to push creative boundaries while remaining accessible to a broad audience, from dedicated Shakespeare scholars to families enjoying their first outdoor theatre experience.

Should You Book?

A Midsummer Night's Dream at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre is one of those theatrical events that sells itself. The combination of Shakespeare's most joyous comedy, an atmospheric outdoor setting, live original music, and a strong ensemble cast makes this one of the most appealing prospects of the London summer theatre season. With a run of less than a month (20 June to 18 July), availability is likely to be limited, particularly for weekend performances and the warmer dates later in the run.

If you're planning a visit, it's worth noting that the Open Air Theatre does go ahead in light rain (blankets and hot drinks are available), but performances may be cancelled in extreme weather. Evening performances start as daylight begins to fade, adding a genuinely magical quality to a play that moves between the sunlit court of Athens and the moonlit fairy woodland.

This promises to be one of the standout productions of summer 2025 and a wonderful way to experience Shakespeare as it was originally intended: outdoors, under the sky, with the natural world as a collaborator.

Looking for more Shakespeare and outdoor theatre this season? Browse our full list of London shows to find your next theatrical outing, or explore our plays category for the latest dramas and classics on stage across the capital.