Guildhall School of Music and Drama is delighted to celebrate the 60th anniversary of one of the most popular of all 20th-century operas, Britten’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with a free online broadcast of their celebrated 2019 production.

Britten’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy – a magical tale of lovers, fairies and comic mix-ups – first premiered at the Aldeburgh Festival on 11 June 1960. The opera creates an enchanting atmosphere through the use of musical themes and styles which are blurred to create a fascinating juxtaposition between fantasy and reality.

Guildhall School’s production of the opera, first performed on 25 February 2019, was widely acclaimed, gaining 4-star and 5-star reviews from The Arts Desk, Plays to See and Bachtrack.

Music by Benjamin Britten, libretto adapted from Shakespeare by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears

Dominic Wheeler conductor
Martin Lloyd-Evans director
Ruari Murchison designer
Mark Jonathan lighting designer
Victoria Newlyn movement director
Karl Dixon video designer