"Methought I was enamoured of an ass."
Titania's sentiment is one many people will sympathise with from their own drunken midsummer nights out.
But the poor woman really was in love with a donkey - or at least a man who had been turned into one.
If you are confused, go with it - a highly knotted plot is one of the charms of this play, along with screamingly funny jokes, frivolity and lots of pretty costumes.
Everyone's favourite summer entertainment is staged at picturesque Exbury Gardens next week, with a pop-up book picture stage blending perfectly into the fairytale surroundings.
This production of the Shakespeare play, staged by Chapterhouse Theatre Company is more flowery than most, with specially flowered-up costumes sponsored by Interflora - so hayfever sufferers may want to avoid sitting in the front row.
A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of the Bard's most accessible plays, while Chapterhouse have developed a reputation for putting on fine comic performances.
* Tickets cost from £6. For more information, call Exbury Gardens on 023 8089 8625 or Southampton Tourist Information Centre on 023 8022 1106.
SALLY CHURCHWARD
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