One of Shakespeare's earliest comedies, A Midsummer Night's Dream follows two sets of couples who enter a magical wood.
In Shakespeare's usual complex set up, Lysander and Hermia are in love, Helena is in love with Demetrius who now also loves Hermia.
Hermia's father would prefer his daughter to marry Demetrius so he gives her four days to chose whether she wants to marry Demetrius, live life in a nunnery, or be given a death sentence.
Hermia decides to rebel against her father and she escapes with Lysander to the nearby forest, followed closely by Helena and Demetrius.
Once they enter the forest the couples find themselves surrounded by fairies and magic. Spells are cast that wreak havoc amongst the four as we follow the trail of love potions, magic drops and the comical figure Bottom.
Finally the King of the Fairies decides he has had enough fun and Lysander and Hermia marry, alongside Demetrius and Helena who are also now firmly in love.
