THE Royal Shakespeare Company is working with 13 theatre partners and a vast range of amateur theatre makers across the UK to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in 2016 with a play for the whole nation.

Of all of Shakespeare's plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is especially loved for its delightful comedy, its magical setting and its cavalcade of glorious characters.

Celebrate the very best of the Shakespeare celebrations this year with the RSC at the New Theatre, Cardiff. A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed from May 24 to May 28.

The project builds on the success and popularity of the RSC’s current Open Stages amateur programme. Deputy artistic director, Erica Whyman, will direct the production and in Cardiff, a group of amateur performers from Everyman Theatre will play Bottom and the mechanicals alongside the leading professional cast of RSC actors.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream opened in Stratford-upon-Avon in February to critical acclaim, and is now touring across England, making a special stop in Cardiff for its only Wales Date at the New Theatre, Cardiff.

The company then returns to Stratford, where the tour will culminate in a special Midsummer month of performances in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in June, featuring all the amateur actors from around the UK.

It’s a Midsummer's night and four young lovers, Hermia, Helena, Lysander and Demetrius, find themselves wrapped in the mischievous arms of an enchanted forest where sprites lurk and fairies rule. With a feuding Fairy King and Queen, Quince and his friends presenting their play within a play, and chief mischief-maker Puck on hand, games of fantasy, love and dreams ensue in Shakespeare's most beguiling comedy.

For more information or to book tickets visit newtheatrecardiff.co.uk or call 02920 878 889.