IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE Philostrata Jess Hardy Theseus, Duke of Athens Robert Chesterton Hippolyta, Queen of the Amazons Jo Evans Egeus Derek Holland Hermia Louise Coe Demetrius Barry Shyvers LysanderCastLarry Robinson Helena Heather Campbell Mistress Quince Ros Williams Bottom, a Weaver David Adams Francis Flute, a bellows mender Simon Milliken Robin Starveling, a tailor Derek Holland Sarah Snug, a seamstress Sarah Boorman Tom Snout, a tinker Andy Miller Puck (or Robin Goodfellow Kate Organ Cobweb Robert Chesterton Mustardseed Kate Rignall Peaseblossom Jo Evans Moth Jess Hardy Titania, Queen of the Fairies Emma Harrison Oberon, King of the Fairies Simon Kerr-Davis The action of the play takes place in and around Athens at midsummer. There will be one interval of twenty minutes

BACKSTAGE CREW Producer Robert Chesterton Lighting and sound Brian Hampton Costume Robert Chesterton Helen Gallifant Sue Exton Toni Mehra Set and construction Robert Chesteron Brian Hampton Andy Miller Trevor Lowndes Alan Yates Members of the cast The Pantiles Players in conjunction with Prompt Toni Mehra by WILLIAM Photography Mark Kennedy The RotherfieldSHAKESPEARE Players ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A Music for Titania and Oberon Beggars’ Gate present an open air production of Fairies lullaby Jo Evans Midsummer FROM THE DIRECTOR I first directed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” in 2000 and so when asked to direct Night’s this most popular of Shakespeare’s plays as an open air production, I jumped at the chance. The themes of love and marriage, appearance and reality and order and disorder are timeless and so have just as much relevance today as in 16th century. The cast, with their energy and enthusiasm, have been a joy to work with and there r have been many laughing moments beyond those in the script. eam I am greatly indebted to Robert Chesterton who has been a driving force behind D every aspect of this production, bringing all his expertise from many years with The Pantiles Players. Directed by ALISON ORGAN I hope you enjoy this comic, thought provoking and magical play. Why we are here “glorious”“glorious”

In 1951 as a boost to public morale the government organ- ised the Festival of Britain. They encouraged local authorities to provide local entertainments. The Tunbridge Wells Borough Council asked the Tunbridge Wells Drama club to put on a play by Shakespeare on the bandstand in the Pantiles. The paid for the production. They could not believe that audiences would pay and admission was free. his charming listed 17th-century coaching inn is set in the heart of the beautiful, Out of this production a tradition was born and plays were historical village of . There are un-spoilt views over the High performed each year. in 1967 the Drama Club put together T from the extensive garden and patios, while inside the open an itinerary and toured their play for a week. Plays were fires and exposed beams lend plenty of warmth and character performed in pub gardens in villages over and Sussex. to the bar and restaurant areas. We offer an atmospheric and The Noah’s Ark in Lurgashall was one of these pubs. The play inspirational location to share and enjoy food and drinks with was very well received in the village. Other venues fell by the wayside but the productions at friends and family, whatever the season. We are known for Lurgashall went from strength to strength. our well-conditioned ales and fine wines, including British wine producers. The menu offers a variety of delicious In 1982 Holy Trinity Church in Tunbridge Wells was converted to a theatre and Drama Club classic and modern homemade dishes that reflect moved their productions to . The Borough Council asked the Pantiles Players to the abundance of fresh, seasonal local produce, take over the Shakespeare productions on the Pantiles and in 1987 they took over the including home-reared pigs and fresh eggs from KINGS ARMS productions at Lurgashall. our chickens. High Street, We host many community events, Jazz & Rotherfield TN6 3LJ It was a pleasure run this street theatre event with people passing by stopping to watch. Telephone 01892 853441 However the nature of the Pantiles started to change around 2000. Eating outside became Arts evenings, Beer & Music Fairs, Wine [email protected] popular. Restaurants and bars on the Pantiles started to have tables outside. Gradually the Nights & Gin Nights, amongst many more. general background noise became a serious distraction. An alternative venue was found. Salomons a country house outside Tunbridge Wells was owned by Canterbury University. There was a large stable courtyard which proved to be ideal and it was first tried in 2007. This gave our audiences the option of raucous street theatre or genteel open air theatre. The noise levels on the Pantiles continued to grow and the venue was abandoned in 2010.

In 2014 Salomons was sold by the university. A new venue in the Tunbridge Wells area was needed. The pub garden had proved so successful at Lurgashall and it was decided to try the The Pantiles Players in conjunction with green behind the King’s Arms in Rotherfield. This is the third season and we hope that we have by WILLIAM established our new venue. The RotherfieldS HAKESPEARE Players present anA open air production of The Noah’s Ark is a wonderful 16th estate, ice cream from Caroline’s Dairy Century pub, overlooking the cricket in Sidlesham, vegetables often provided idsummer green, tucked away in a picturesque by locals from the village allotment, and M village on the border of Surrey & West meat, fish & cheese home-smoked on Sussex. the premises. Night’s The Noah’s maintains a There is an extensive and traditional pub atmosphere interesting wine list, and while placing great emphasis three ales; IPA, Abbot r on outstanding food made with Ale, and a regularly eam locally-sourced, seasonal changing guest. We are proud D ingredients. The regularly to be recommended by the changing menu relies Michelin and AA guides, among Directed by ALISON O RGAN on the best of Sussex others. We look forward to produce including cheese welcoming you to Lurgashall. 2017 from the Goodwood 20th/21st/22nd JULY • ROTHERFIELD 27th/28th/29th JULY • LURGASHALL