A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's most original and eloquent plays, brilliantly interweaving four contrasting groups of characters to present a many-sided view of love in all its aspects: its joys and sadness, its idealism and selfishness, its physical and spiritual elements. This performing edition was prepared for Propellor, an all-male company of twelve actors, at the Watermill Theatre, Newbury, in 2003. Propellor's markedly contemporary approach to Shakespeare enabled them to enjoy a great success in 2001-2 with their version of the Henry VI plays, which won the TMA/Barclays Theatre Award for the best touring production of 2001.