A Midsummer Night's Dream under an open sky is your gateway to the world of Shakespeare

Who needs a theatre stage and sets and lighting when all the world’s a stage? Especially when it’s the great outdoors in the Bush Capital for an enduring comedy.

Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be the first production presented in The Q’s new outdoor performance space, Aunty Louise Brown Park, promising an evening of “outrageous fun for the whole family” in the open air.

In this exciting new production of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, four Athenians run away to the forest only to have Puck, the fairy, make both of the boys fall in love with the same girl. Laughter, romance, moonlit woods, love potions, more than a few misunderstandings and absolute hilarity ensue.

There’s no better play with which to launch The Q’s new outdoor performance space than one already set in nature, according to Artistic Director Jordan Best.

“Whether or not intended to be an open-air play, it certainly works beautifully outside, where the environment becomes another character,” she says.

With a run time of 140 minutes, including a 20-minute interval, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is the ideal way for people of all ages to celebrate the beginning of summer in the intimate courtyard-like space.

Audiences will be invited to stake out their spot on a first-come basis, whether it’s some of the seating laid out, perched on a garden bed wall or lounging on a BYO picnic rug on the grassy area.

“It’s a beautiful space that has been set up with performances in mind, so there are no visibility issues. There’s no need to dress up – you can just chuck on your pyjamas, grab a roast chook and come down have a laugh with us,” Jordan says.

“It really is for everyone, and a terrific introduction to theatre for kids because they can run around, look at bugs, have something to eat, and nobody is going to tell them to sit and be quiet.”

The production is presented under The Q’s ‘Pay What You Feel’ model. After the show, patrons will receive an email link to pay what they can.

“If you want to and can be a patron of the arts, you’re welcome. If you can’t, that’s also ok. This is about making theatre accessible to the whole community, whether you’re unwaged, low income or whatever your situation,” she says.

Transporting audiences to the enchanted forest this summer, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, presented by Echo Theatre, is brought to life by a cast of our region’s finest and funniest actors, including Jim Adamik, Lainie Hart, Liv Boddington, Sally Taylor and Joshua James.

It’s funny, accessible and easy to follow.

“I think there’s a perception Shakespeare is just for ‘fancy’ people. Shakespeare isn’t fancy – it was part of popular culture and written for the people. It’s broad comedy and, at times, absolutely absurd and so funny,” she says.

“The characters are recognisable. There’s magic, love, ridiculous misunderstandings and the most magnificently terrible play within a play you’ve ever seen.

“I have been in this play several times … and I’ve directed it once before, and every time I watch the scenes and hear the lines, it makes me laugh all over again. If you’ve never been to Shakespeare before, this is a great one to start with. It’s a gateway Shakespeare.”

While the natural environment comes with its challenges, Jordan says it’s all part of the fun in a play like A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

“You are competing with all of the distractions the world brings – cars, birds, the wind, insects, delicious snacks – so what you present has to be big and bold, or it will get lost in the wonder of nature,” she says.

“It is exciting, and no performance will be exactly the same.”

A Midsummer Night’s Dream will run at Aunty Louise Brown Park, Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, from Monday, 25 November, to Sunday, 15 December, with twilight performances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Book via The Q.

Missing out? Lakespeare has also partnered with The Q in 2025 to produce Macbeth in February and March – book via Lakespeare.