ON a Midsummer’s night, four young lovers find themselves wrapped in the dream-like arms of an enchanted forest where sprites lurk and fairies rule. While a feuding Fairy King and Queen are at war, their paths are crossed by Bottom, Quince and their friends presenting a play within a play. Chief mischief-maker Puck is on-hand to ensure that the course of true love is anything but smooth.

Three Southampton schools have been working hard over the last few months to perfect their production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream for their own street performance that will be taking place outdoors on July 2.

Youngsters from Kanes Hill Primary, Hightown Primary and Woodlands Community College have been working with a professional director from Fluid Motion Theatre Company to create their own outdoor version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream as part of the countywide Streetspeare Schools Project.

The children have been learning street performance skills, puppetry techniques from puppeteers Unexpected Places and been given advice from The Royal Shakespeare Company to help bring their outdoor performance to life.

Leigh Johnstone, Artistic Director of Fluid Motion said ‘This is the second year we have been working in Southampton on The Streetspeare Schools Project and bringing to life some of the cities public spaces. It’s a brilliant way for children to learn about Shakespeare and their local heritage.’

Performances take place in Somerset Avenue, Harefield at 10.30am and Palmerston Park at 12.30pm and 1.30pm.