Laura Murphy’s electrifying musical The Lovers, inspired by The Bard’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, was first staged by Bell Shakespeare in 2022. This new production by Shake & Stir Theatre Co won rave reviews when it premiered at this year’s Brisbane Festival and has now arrived in Sydney. Focusing on Oberon, Puck and their games with the four young Athenian lovers, the musical combines a smattering of Shakespeare’s dialogue with a score of pop bangers, as it explores love in the modern age. Directed by Nick Skubij, the excellent cast includes Natalie Abbott, Jason Arrow, Jayme-Lee Hanekom, Loren Hunter, Stellar Parry and Mat Verevis.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

Based on A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare.
Featuring an electrifyingly original pop score and a boldly reimagined script by Laura Murphy, The Lovers is a fresh, in-yer-face remix of A Midsummer Night’s Dream – bursting with heart, humour, and more than a touch of magic.

For centuries, Oberon and Puck have been the ultimate matchmakers, crafting perfect love stories. But in a world where romance is a chaotic mix of swipes, situationships, and ghosting – Oberon worries that true love is becoming extinct. Just when all hope seems lost, four young lovers cross their path – ready for a night they’ll never forget.

Directed by Nick Skubij (Frankenstein, Fourteen), this brand-new, high-energy musical blends a killer soundtrack, a phenomenal live band, innovative video design, and a breath-taking cast.
Get set for a totally modern love story – where nothing goes as planned, but everything happens for a reason.