Dream Space

SOME of Shakespeare's best loved characters have come to life as part of a new show for young children.

The Dream Space explores the magic and mayhem of one of the Bard's best loved and funniest plays, A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Globe Education Sackler Studios on Bankside.

The fun and interactive show invites children and their families to join a team of Fairy Finders on an expedition searching for a missing fairy.

Dressed as though they are going on a hike into woodland, the Fairy Finders, Snout, Barbara Snug, Peter Quince, Frances Flute and Nick Bottom, greet us with enthusiasm and excitement.

The quest leads everyone from the Globe Theatre down the road to the special enchanted Dream Space inhabited by the classic characters of the play including Titania, Oberon and the mischievous Puck.

Along the way we are given instructions such as wearing our clothes inside out and looking for buttons which fairies like taking from humans. We are also told to keep our eyes peeled for the fairies who may be lurking in the grass between the paving stones.

The five Fairy Finders then lead us into the Dream Space, an enchanted garden full of flowers, soft lighting and treasure boxes.

Using an array of magical puppets, creative costumes and beautiful soundscapes all creating the Dream Space world, this beautifully conceived show brings the characters and themes of the play to life.

The five Fairy Finders, Karina Garnett, Luanna Priestman, Tom Frankland, Michael Imerson and Nick Ash, are wonderful and really capture the children's imaginations and make them feel very much part of the action.

Suitable for children aged five and over, the shows run daily at 11am and 2pm until Saturday, April 14. It's just lovely and well recommended!

Tickets cost £8 or £25 per family ticket and are available from the Globe Box Office on 020 7401 9919 or online www.shakespearesglobe.com.