A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Part of the Belvoir Players, they will play the roles of the ‘Mechanicals’ when the production visits the Grand Opera House between May 31 and June 4 2016.

Some of Shakespeare’s best loved characters, the ‘Mechanicals’ (including the iconic role of Bottom the Weaver) are an under-prepared, yet loveable bunch of craftsmen and women who put themselves forward to entertain royalty at the end of the play.

In Belfast the roles will be played by Christopher Curry (Quince, the Carpenter), Christopher Darcy (Snout, the Tinker), Trevor Gill (Bottom, the Weaver), Maggie Gorman (Starveling, the Tailor), Jessica McGreevy (Flute, the Bellows Mender), Robert McGregor (Snug, the Joiner).

Marking the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in 2016, the local group will perform alongside a cast of 18 professional actors and creative team, led by RSC Deputy Artistic Director, Erica Whyman.

In collaboration with Creative Learning at The Lyric Theatre, the Belfast cast will work with their own amateur director Trevor Gill and Assistant Director Tanya Jennings, before linking up with the RSC team from January 2016. After the productions UK tour, each of 14 amateur companies from across the UK, including the Belvoir Players will reprise their roles on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre stage in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Speaking of the Belvoir Players, Director Erica Whyman said: “Belvoir Players are a terrific community company whose inclusive work ethic really impressed us. Trevor is going to be a very funny Bottom and their confident stage craft is matched by a wonderful dose of Belfast spirit.”

Trevor Gill added: “It’s amazing to think that six of us amateur actors are to take our place alongside the professional cast of the Royal Shakespeare Company. We will be working hard in rehearsals to make sure we do Northern Ireland proud and we hope that our home audience will turn out in force to support us at the Grand Opera House.”