A GENDER swapping production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is to be one of the highlights of the summer at the new Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre in York.

Antony Bunsee, of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and TV soap Eastenders, will play Titania, while Amanda Ryan, of YV drama Shameless, will take on the role of Oberon.

Versailles star Alexander Vlahos is set to play Romeo opposite The Musketeers’ Alexandra Dowling’s Juliet, while Requiem’s Dyfan Dwyfor will play Richard III.

The Press reported yesterday that former Coronation Street and Mamma Mia! actor Richard Standing is to play Macbeth, but it has now also emerged that York’s Leandra Ashton, of Coronation Street and Holby City, will play Lady Macbeth.

Four of William Shakespeare’s most popular plays, across the genres, will be performed in repertory by two companies of actors during the 10-week season, which will run from Monday, June 25 until Sunday, September 2 at the pop-up theatre which is to be built on the Castle Car Park near Clifford’s Tower.

There will be a tragedy – Macbeth, a comedy – A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a tragic love story – Romeo and Juliet, and a history – Richard III.

A spokeswoman said: “The traditional setting will host new interpretations of these famous works, both challenging and entertaining.

“Romeo and Juliet and Richard III will be directed by the award-winning Lindsay Posner, while York Theatre Royal’s Olivier Award-winning Artistic Director Damian Cruden will direct Macbeth, and Associate Director Juliet Forster will be putting her stamp on A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

She said that other actors in the York company included Gareth Aled (Lennox/Starveling), Leandra Ashton (Lady Macbeth/Peaseblossom), Antony Bunsee (Siward/Theseus & Titania), Clare Corbett (Witch 3/Puck), Fine Time Fontayne (Duncan/Egeus), Maria Gray (Witch 2/1st Fairy), Paul Hawkyard (Macduff/Bottom), Mark Holgate (Banquo/Demetrius), Emilio Iannucci (Malcolm/Flute), Amy Lennox (Mentieth/Hermia), Rina Mahoney (Lady Macduff/Quince), and Olivia Onyehara (Angus/Helena).