MIDSUMMER may have passed for this year, but the magic of the traditionally topsy-turvy evening has carried through to a city stage.

Oxford-based theatre company Tomahawk Theatre put on the first performances of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Monday.

Edward Blagrove plays the character of Bottom, an actor who gets given a donkey’s head by a mischievous fairy.

The 31-year-old said: “It’s great fun and it’s been a joy to play. The other actors are just wonderful and we kind of bounce off each other.

“Some of my closest friends are in the cast and it’s always good to perform with them and spend time with them, and performing inside the castle grounds is a buzz.”

Production director Alex Nicholls, 44, said the theatre company aims to nurture home-grown talent and support young actors.

The cast of 17, including two musicians, is at Oxford Castle Unlocked, in New Road, until Saturday, July 19, in celebration of the company’s 10th anniversary.

Mr Nicholls said: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream is popular with local people and visitors to Oxford and it’s our 10th anniversary, so what better production to celebrate.”

For more information, visit oxfordcastleunlocked.co.uk.

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