The Reviews are in for Shakespeare's Globe A Midsummer Night's Dream

In this vibrant new production of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Globe Theatre becomes a space for communal celebration under starry, summer skies.

Directed by Emily Lim it follows a group of giddy lovers chasing desire and connection through a moonlit forest as they collide with playful spirits in a fairy realm where anything is possible.

The reviews are in:

"A frivolous, folksy and family-friendly take on Shakespeare’s comedy." ★★★★ (The Stage).

"This good-vibes-only, interaction-heavy ‘Dream’ is the perfect start to outdoor theatre season." ★★★★ (Time Out). 

"A well-known tale of fairies, weddings and mischief refreshed with song, glitter and bubble machines to instantly grasp the audience’s attention.." ★★★★★ (Everything Theatre). 

"I can’t remember the last time I got the giggles in the theatre but director Emily Lim’s joyful take on A Midsummer Night’s Dream just about undid me. It’s generous, creative and clever, always with an eye to making the audience feel included." ★★★★ (The Guardian).

"Audience members are recruited to join in, and even stage-shy groundlings may find Puck pointing an enchanted bubble gun in their faces in this joyful staging." ★★★★ (The Times). 

"It’s irresistible fun, but it’s also integral to a production that emphasises the theatricality and communality of Shakespeare’s comedy." ★★★★ (Financial Times).

"Yet, for all the admirable industry and invention of Emily Lim’s production, forget an enchanted forest outside Athens, this overly interactive staging will whisk you away to family night at Butlin's holiday park." ★★★ (The Telegraph).

"Lim’s production won’t go down in theatre history as an outstanding Midsummer Night’s Dream, but it’s a warm and enjoyable reading that should definitely draw in the crowds."  ★★★★ (The Arts Desk). 

Overall: ★★★★

• Shakespeare's Globe, London
• Ends 29 August 2026.

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