Shakespeare under a midsummer night’s sky

Arts & Entertainment Stage Theatre & Performance

Rita Bratovich
November 25, 2022

Image: A Midsummer Night's Dream by Sport For Jove - rehearsal. Image: Facebook/Sport For Jove

Enterprising theatre troupe, Sport For Jove, is taking one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays out into the open air at two wonderful locations this summer. They’re performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream across two brief seasons: one at Bella Vista and one in Leura in the Blue Mountains.

Shakespeare’s medieval rom-com is a tale of mischief, confusion, love, hate, anthropomorphism and bad magic. Well-intentioned fairies mess with complicated human sentiments and, well it gets messy – but, as someone famous once said, all’s well that ends well.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream rehearsals. Image: Sport For Jove – Facebook

With its setting in the woods, elements of fantasy, and lots of hilarious shenanigans, this is one of the most popular Shakespeare plays to perform outside. Sport For Jove is known for its inventive interpretations of the Bard and professional productions and this will be no exception.

Sean O’Shea directs a stellar cast that includes Claudia Ware, Jake Speer, Wendy Strehlow, Jade Fuda, Darius Williams, Rupert Bevan, Toby Blome, and Bishanyia Vincent.

Bella Vista Farm is an historical property on the outskirts of Sydney. Once the home of John and Elizabeth Macarthur, the heritage listed grounds are now a tourist attraction and it’s open expanse of grassy field is made available for outdoor events.

Similarly, Everglades Gardens in Leura is a heritage listed property with beautiful landscaped garden and lawns that make a perfect setting for outdoor theatre.