Stafford Gatehouse Theatre has today announced that Sean Turner will direct this summer’s production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Sean is Associate Director on the West End and UK Touring productions of the hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong and has directed numerous productions of the show across the globe. He has recently completed a tenure as Artistic Director of Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells and he trained at the National Theatre as well as in Devising with Complicite.

Sean is responsible for unearthing the script of Arthur Miller’s first play, No Villain; he then directed the World Premiere at the Old Red Lion and later transferred the production to the West End. Last year Sean’s first foray into film work won an NME Award (Best Music Video, 2022) when he co-directed the video for ‘Wake Me Up’ by the band Foals.

He said: ‘I am thrilled to be directing this show for the Gatehouse. ‘I consider it Shakespeare’s funniest and most delightful play. I want our audience to feel like they are on holiday when they enter the theatre, a place to forget your troubles and have a good time. ‘In terms of the setting, think The Durrells (ITV drama with Keeley Hawes) with a little magic thrown in!

‘We are assembling the most extraordinary team of cast and creatives to ensure there’ll be high drama, stunning sets, wonderful music and, most importantly, lots and lots of laughter!’ More details can also now be revealed about the production, which will have a Greek theme.

Sean added: ‘It’s the early 1930’s and an influx of Brits are choosing to escape dreary overcast Blighty and head for the clear blue skies of Greece. Athens is awash with ex-pats living out their sun-kissed dreams but taken away from the welcoming cities, their idyllic fantasies quickly become twisted. ‘In the woods, a group of rustic locals aim to turn a profit from the new tourists by rehearsing a play for their delights. The only problem is, they’ve no idea what they’re doing!

‘Meanwhile, the fairy realm watches over them all, invisible to the human eye but all-too-willing to meddle with anyone who disturbs the forest’s peace.’

The production, which will feature Broadway star Kerry Ellis, runs from 23 June - 9 July at the theatre in Eastgate Street and tickets are available from gatehousetheatre.co.uk or 01785 619080.