A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Magic, Mischief and Memories at The Henley College 

This year’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream brought Shakespeare’s enchanted forest into a gritty, inner-city world where punk fairies danced through alleyways, lovers clashed and comedy ruled. With a bold soundtrack full of seventies and eighties hits, our students reimagined the classic play in a way that felt fresh, fast-paced and full of heart. 

The cast poured energy and emotion into every performance. From the fiery battles between Oberon and Titania to the hilarious chaos of Bottom and the players, there was real joy and talent on stage. Every line, every movement and every lighting cue was the result of weeks of dedication and teamwork. 

Performing Arts teacher Paul Whiston said:

"We had really positive feedback from parents of the students who attended and audience members. All the students enjoyed being a part of this production and they worked really hard to bring their characters to life. It was an amazing experience for everyone involved."

This year’s cast featured: 

Oberon – Dylan Evans 
Titania – River Fletcher 
Puck – Blue Melvin 
Theseus – Evan Hearn 
Egeus – Freid Skinner 
Hyppolita – Seren Patel 
Philostrate – Poppy Rainer 
Helena – Mila Stavrik 
Hermia – Ella Murray 
Lysander – Archie Scott 
Demetrius – Joey Burke 

The Players 
Bottom – Otto Spencer 
Quince / Prologue – Josie Irvine 
Snout – Ava Roberts-Cassidy 
Snug – Tom Baker 
Starvelling – Francesca Tillet-Hall 
Flute – Frankie Ramarasan 

The Fairies 
Peaseblossom – Lyla Clinch 
Moth – Ella Parslow 
Mustardseed – Natalia Dunaj 
Cobweb – Emily Rigby 
Rosebud – Natalia Krynicka 

Stage Manager – Poppy Rainer 
Lighting and Sound – Luke Trentwith 

There’s something magical about performing A Midsummer Night’s Dream at The Henley College. It’s a play that keeps returning to our stages, and every time it does, it brings new energy and memories. 

Our earliest record of the play dates back to a 1930 open-air production on the Rotherfield Lawns. There’s even a remarkable photo from that performance, capturing the cast in full costume, surrounded by summer light and trees — a beautiful reminder that performance has always been part of life at this college.

In 1954, a young student named Brian Hewlett played Puck in a school production here at Henley Grammar School, which later became The Henley College. He went on to an extraordinary acting career. Brian was in the original West End production of Chicago, playing Amos Hart. But he’s best known to many for his role as Neil Carter in the BBC Radio 4 series The Archers. Brian played Neil for more than 52 years, making him one of the longest-serving actors in any soap opera in the world. From the stage in Henley to the nation’s airwaves, his journey started right here with a school play. 

In 1978, the College — then known as King James’s College — staged the play again, this time with Sally Dexter playing Titania. A year later, Sally returned as Lady Macbeth in another college production, a role she later reprised at the National Youth Theatre. She has since gone on to win an Olivier Award and star in numerous West End productions, including Oliver!, Sister Act and Billy Elliot. On screen, she’s appeared in ITV’s Emmerdale and Night and Day.

By 1986, A Midsummer Night’s Dream became the centrepiece of our first ever European theatre tour. Our students and crew travelled to Leichlingen, our twin town near Cologne, and then to a major theatre in Munich. They didn’t stop there. The production crossed into communist Czechoslovakia for performances in Karlovy Vary and just outside Prague, before finishing in the Rhineland. It was a bold, ambitious project, and it left a lasting impression on everyone involved. 

Principal Simon Spearman said: 

"The Henley College has a rich and proud history of creativity, ambition and excellence. We’re not just putting on plays — we’re nurturing talent, telling stories and creating experiences that stay with students for life. Seeing a performance like A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which has been part of our college’s journey for nearly a century, reminds us how important it is to protect and grow that legacy.” 

If you’re a current student — or thinking of applying — maybe your journey starts here too. Maybe you’re a future star in the making. Come and create your own memories with us."

And if you’re one of our alumni, we’d love to hear your stories. Whether you once played Puck, ran the lights or clapped from the back row — you’re part of this history. 

From 1930 on the Rotherfield Lawns to a stage full of colour and chaos in 2025, the dream continues.