Mathew Baynton to play Bottom in RSC’s A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

The RSC have announced that Mathew Baynton (Ghosts, Wonka) will play Bottom in a new production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Eleanor Rhode, which will run in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre between 30 January - 30 March.

Mathew, known for co-creating, writing and starring as Thomas Thorne in Ghosts (BBC) and soon to be seen as Fickelgruber in the film Wonka, will be making his RSC debut next year as one of Shakespeare’s most well-known comic characters. Further casting to be announced.

Mathew Baynton said: “I really couldn't be more excited to be joining the cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the RSC. I've always wanted to be part of a Shakespeare production and I've been hoping to return to the stage for quite some time too, so to be able to combine those two ambitions in one of the great ensemble comedies is a (midsummer night's) dream come true! Eleanor’s vision for the production sounds magical and Bottom is, of course, an absolute treat of a role, so I can't wait to get started.”

Director Eleanor Rhode said: “I’m thrilled to be returning to the RSC to direct A Midsummer Night’s Dream. It’s a play that made a big impact on me from a young age, and I’m excited to share it with a new generation of theatre-goers. Mathew Baynton is going to be an incredible Bottom - I've loved his work for years, and so it’s a real joy to be able to collaborate with him on bringing this magical play to life.”

The production will feature design by Lucy Osborne, with illusion direction and design by John Bulleid, lighting by Matt Daw, music by Will Gregory, sound by Pete Malkin, movement by Annie-Lunnette Deakin-Foster, video by Nina Dunn, and casting by Matthew Dewsbury CDG.

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