Electric Dreams at Shakespeare North Playhouse

Think you know Shakespeare? Think again. Electric Dreams, the award-winning production from A Place for Us Theatre Company, takes the Bard’s most mischievous comedy and gives it a radical 1980s makeover. Expect neon and nostalgia, big hair and synth pop, in this fresh version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Set in a distinctly retro version of ancient Athens, the play follows the tangled loves and magical mishaps of four young runaways, a group of oddball actors and a band of rock-diva fairies. Shakespeare’s original verse is intact – beautifully abridged for clarity and pace – but the action unfolds in an 80s-inspired setting, where glitter, glamour and mischief rule.

Accompanied by a live band on stage, the production features a soundtrack of familiar 1980s tunes – from ‘Tainted Love’ to ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’, ‘Holding Out for a Hero’ to ‘Total Eclipse of the Heart’. It’s all performed by a multi-talented, high-energy ensemble – so expect big tunes, bold characters and plenty of fun, whether you’re a Shakespeare lover or a total newcomer.

Previous performances of Electric Dreams have been a hit with critics and audiences alike, garnering five-star reviews and enjoying sell-out runs at Norton Priory in 2021 and 2023. Touring across the UK, the show has won praise for its inventive staging, live musicality and irreverent take on a much-loved classic.

A Place for Us Theatre Company are known for creating bold, accessible productions that speak to all generations. Having already wowed audiences in outdoor venues across the UK, Electric Dreams now brings its riotous energy to the Cockpit Theatre at Shakespeare North Playhouse. This show is a perfect match for families, Shakespeare lovers and musical theatre fans alike – an electrifying version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, complete with shoulder pads, legwarmers and plenty of attitude.