The Winter’s Tale begins with Polixenes, the King of Bohemia, deciding to return home to Bohemia after visting his old friend Leontes in Sicily. Leontes, the King of Sicily, wants Polixenes to stay a little longer, asking Polixenes’ beautiful wife Hermione to convince him to stay. This backfires quite badly since Leontes now believes his wife may be having an affair with Polixenes, after all, she was able to convince him to stay… Overcome with jealousy, Leontes prepares to poison Polixenes, even beginning to doubt whether he is the true father of his son Mamillius…. Camillo, ordered to poison Polixenes and aware of what Leontes is capable of, convinces Polixenes to flee, the two heading for Bohemia. Leontes jealousy has not abated however, Leontes quickly putting his wife in jail and preparing to make her stand trial for infidelity.

Hermione gives birth to her daughter in jail whilst awaiting trial, the baby being shown to Leontes in the hope Leontes will finally see reason. Leontes though, thinking the child may not be his, does not acknowledge the child, disowning her and then ordering Antigonus to leave the baby on the far off coast of Bohemia to die… Following Leontes’ orders, the baby is duly placed on the coastline to die, Antigonus being eaten by a bear shortly thereafter… The trial of Hermione continues. The Delphic Oracle’s judgement in the trial is that Hermione is innocent but this falls on Leontes’ deaf ears, the trial continuing despite judgement being given. Overcome by grief for his mother, Mamillius, Leontes and Hermiones’ only son, dies. Leontes now begins to realise just how much he has lost, ordering that Hermione be treated with care upon leaving the courtroom but soon she too dies. Overcome with guilt and remorse for what he has done, Leontes now shuts himself off from soceity…

The child Leontes would not acknowledge, however, has not died; a shepard finds the little baby, taking her in and raising her as if his very own. Sixteen years pass and the abandoned daughter, Perdita, falls for Polixenes’ son Florizel. Polixenes disapproves of his son loving the daughter of a shepard, after all, Florizel is a Prince. Camillo, seeing the two in love, helps the two lovers escape for Sicily where the two are warmly received at the court of Leontes. Polixenes and the shepard soon arrive, Leontes finally making peace with his old friend. Perdita is soon revealed tby the shepard to be Leontes’ daughter overjoying Leontes and Polixenes since their two children shall soon marry. Leontes, however in seeing the beautiful Perdita is reminded of Hermione, her death and how badly he treated her…

Paulina, Hermione’s maid who reported Hermione’s death, leads Leontes, Perdita and company to see a statue of Hermione. It is no statue… They see Hermione, alive and well! We quickly learn that Queen Hermione has simply lived in hiding, praying for the return of her daughter one day. Leontes family is now reunited with the return of Hermione and Perdita. Leontes, deeply appreciative of everything they have Camillo and Paulina have done for his family, allows the two to marry…

The Two Gentlemen of Verona begins with Valentine and Proteus travelling from Verona to Milan, Valentine heading for Milan to serve in the Duke of Milan’s court. Proteus joins his friend with his servant Launce, but would rather be with Julia, the women he loves and whom secretly loves him as well. Proteus is heading for the court because his father has decided it is time for his son to make a living. In Milan, Valentine falls in love with Silvia, the Duke of Milan’s daughter but unfortunately for the two lovers, Silvia is to marry wealthy courtier Thurio instead. Valentine and Silvia therefore prepare to elope but Valentine reveals his plans to Proteus who is also in love with Silvia and who decides to tell the Duke of the elopement plan to have Silvia all to himself. Valentine suspects his friend loves Silvia, but Proteus denies this, hiding his true feelings but questioning the morality of loving his best friend’s love…

The Duke, learning of Valentine’s deception, immediately banishes him. Seizing the opportunity, Proteus tells Valentine that he will act as an intermediary between Valentine and Silvia, even servant Launce suspecting Proteus is after Silvia… Learning of Silvia’s depression of Valentine’s banishment, Proteus defames Valentine to cheer up the Duke’s daughter. This gesture fails, but leads to Proteus rising ever higher in the Duke’s esteem, even becoming a trusted confidant concearning Silvia and Thurio, the man Silvia is still intended for. Meanwhile, the banished Valentine befriends and eventually becomes the leader of a group of criminals who live in a neaby forest. Julia, Proteus’ original love arrives in Milan disguised as a young male page to find her love Proteus. Proteus’ courting, however is failing, his defaming of Valentine only angers Silvia more and more whilst making her love of Valentine ever stronger. Thurio too continues to court the very uninterested Silvia; she cares for Valentine alone, not Proteus or Thurio. Proteus continues courting Silvia, not realising the page (Sebastian) he sends to communicate his wishes to Silvia is none other than Julia, still disguised as a page! Julia, still in love with Proteus, resolves to win him back. Meanwhile, Silvia, still yearning Valentine, flees Milan for the forest only to taken hostage by Valentine’s gang.

The Duke of Milan, learning of his daughters fate, sends would be husband Thurio and confidant Proteus to rescue Silvia. Proteus gets to Silvia first before Silvia can discover the gangs leader, her love, Valentine. Valentine hides in nearby bushes whilst Proteus with the disguised Julia in tow, declares his devotion for Silvia. Valentine even overhears Proteus continuing to bad mouth him and Silvia’s continued contempt for Proteus, her rescuer! Valentine reveals himself, rescues Silvia, Proteus apologizing in shame for what he has said and done to Valentine. The two make peace, Valentine even offering Silvia to Proteus. Julia, seeing this, feints, Proteus now realising Julia has known all along about his pursuit of Silvia… Proteus rediscovers his love for Julia. The Duke of Milan arrives with Thurio as prisoners of Valentine’s gang, Thurio dropping his resolve to marry Silvia when threatened by the possibility of having to fight Valentine. The Duke is unimpressed with Thurio’s cowardice. Thus the play ends with Silvia being granted the right to marry Valentine, Proteus planning on marrying Julia and Valentine’s band of criminals being granted a pardon by the Duke.

Twelfth Night begins with Orsino, The Duke of Illyria revealing his love for Countess Olivia. Olivia is annoyed her rowdy cousin Sir Toby has encouraged Sir Andrew Aguecheek to court her. Sir Andrew is rich but not very smart. Sir Toby has tricked Sir Andrew into pursuing Olivia so he can continue benefiting from Sir Andrew’s wealth. Realising Olivia does not like him, Sir Andrew prepares to leave but Sir Toby convinces him to stay another month… Viola is introduced as a survivor of a shipwreck which separated her from her twin brother… Viola disguises herself as a man called Cesario to serve Orsino, quickly becoming entrusted by Orsino to convey his love for Olivia. Cesario, in love for Orsino herself, dutifully represents him. Cesario meets Olivia. Olivia explains she does not love Orsino. Olivia would however like to see Cesario again. Smitten with Cesario, Olivia sends her steward Malvolio after him to give back a ring Cesario left behind…

Sebastian, Viola’s twin, has survived the shipwreck. He believes Viola is dead. Antonio, who saved Sebastian’s life, travels with him to Orsino’s court even though he has many enemies there. Malvolio returns Cesario’s ring to him. Cesario is confused; “he” left behind no such ring. Cesario now realises the ring is a ploy by Olivia to seduce him. Cesario tells Orsino that Olivia does not love him but Orsino is undeterred… Maria (Olivia’s maid), Fabian, Sir Toby and Sir Andrew hate Malvolio. Maria writes a letter convincing Malvolio that Olivia loves him. Cesario meets Olivia, Olivia admitting she used the ring to see him again… Cesario tries to discourage Olivia without success. Sir Andrew decides to head home; Olivia is more interested in Cesario… Sir Toby and Fabian convince him into challenging Cesario instead.

Now in Illyria, Sebastian decides to look around, but Antonio, fearful of his enemies, heads for a lodging called “the Elephant.” Antonio gives Sebastian his wallet, the two parting company… Malvolio humiliates himself in front of Olivia. Thinking him mad, she has him put into the care of her servants. Sir Toby scares Sir Andrew and Cesario into attacking each other. Antonio arrives, pledging to fight on Cesario’s behalf, thinking Cesario is Sebastian. Antonio is captured. Antonio asks Cesario for his wallet back but Cesario, not recognising him, refuses. Antonio thinks Sebastian has betrayed him, not realising he is speaking to Cesario.

Sir Toby and Sebastian are about to fight but Olivia stops Sir Toby, hoping Sebastian, whom she thinks is Cesario, will not be displeased with her. Sebastian falls in love with Olivia, secretly marrying Olivia… Antonio, meeting Cesario again asks for his wallet back thinking he is Sebastian. Cesario, not knowing Antonio, does not return the wallet. Imprisoned, Antonio baffles Orsino by telling him that he and Cesario have been together for three weeks. Orsino cannot believe this; Cesario has been with him for three weeks. Olivia arrives, scolding Cesario for neglecting his wife. Orsino, thinking Cesario has taken Olivia for himself, prepares to punish him. Olivia is upset her husband would rather be punished by Orsino than be with her! Sebastian arrives. Orsino, seeing Cesario and Sebastian together, is amazed to see two copies of the same man. Sebastian and Cesario eventually realise they are brother and sister. Cesario reveals he is Viola. The cruel prank against Malvolio is revealed. Orsino calls Olivia his sister, and Orsino takes Cesario as his lover…

Troilus and Cressida begins seven years into the long Trojan war. Troilus, the youngest son of King Priam (King of Troy) tells Pandarus that he is in love with Cressida, the daughter of Trojan priest Calchas. He does not want his father, King Priam nor his brother Hector to know this. He also believes fighting over Helen is pointless. Privately, Pandarus lets Cressida know about Troilus’ affections, both laughing at his looks. Pandarus even encourages Troilus to pursue Cressida, knowing she is not interested… However, despite her mocking words, Cressida does start to fall in love with Troilus.

Meanwhile outside of Troy, all is not well with the Greeks; they are losing their way, apathy and low morale setting in amongst the Greeks who after seven years, still have not beaten the Trojans. Achilles, in particular, is full of apathy, caring little for the war, reducing morale. Realising this, when Hector (Trojan) challenges any Greek to a duel, Ulysses ensures that Ajax is chosen, hoping that by ignoring Achilles for ,Achilles will rediscover his will to fight.

The Trojans are given the opportunity to end the war if they return Helen to the Greeks. The Trojans consider this, wary of so many lives lost just for one woman but decide it would be dishonorable to give up Helen when the Trojans all cheered Paris for wooing her. Furthermore, Helen loves Paris. Cassandra, King Priam’s daughter makes her famous prophecy that Troy will be destroyed if they do not return Helen but is ignored, Troilus and Paris urging Hector to keep fighting…

Paris, unsure Hector will not give away Helen, tells her to flirt with both Troilus and Hector. Cressida and Troilus finally admit they love each other.

Ulysses (Greek) tells Achilles that the people now honor Ajax not him, warning Achilles not to desire Polyxenes (King Priam’s other daughter) lest his reputation fall into further disrepute.

Meanwhile, Calchas (Trojan) defects to the Greeks, Calchas offering to reveal military information on the Trojans. There is a catch… He will only reveal what he knows if the Greeks exchange one of their Trojan prisoners for his daughter. The Greeks agree.

Troilus meets Diomedes, telling him to respect Calchas’ daughter (not sleep with her). Diomedes replies he will make her his mistress! Troilus vows to kill Diomedes… Now with the Greeks, Calchas’ daughter quickly starts flirting with the Greek generals but behind the smiles is actually insulting them.

Hector fights Ajax, winning but refusing to kill Ajax since he is the son of his father’s sister and thus family… Ajax, shown mercy, asks Hector whether he would dine with Achilles, Hector agreeing.

The Greeks and Trojans dine together, a tense affair… Ulysses reveals Diomedes dining with Calchas daughter and starting to fall in love with her… Hearing this, Troilus follows Diomedes, spying his lover giving Diomedes the sleeve he gave her and learning that though she still loves him, she is beginning to like Diomedes. Devastated but enraged, Troilus resolves to kill Diomedes on the battlefield and forget his lover…

Sure enough the Greeks and Trojans fight, Hector killing Patroclus. Seeing this, Achilles finally rediscovers his will to fight, finding Hector and then against all laws of conduct having him surrounded and then impaled whilst unarmed and resting. In losing Hector, the Trojans have paid dearly on the battlefield, Cassandra fearing that without Hector, Troy shall soon fall…

The Tempest begins with a huge storm battering a ship carrying Alonso, the King of Naples, Sebastian, (Alonso’s brother), Ferdinand (Alonso’s son), Antonio, Gonzalo and others. On an island near the storm, Prospero and his daughter Miranda are introduced. We learn that Prospero has created the storm… Miranda asks Prospero to stop the storm. Prospero, once the Duke of Milan, was banished to this island with Miranda by Antonio, Prospero’s brother who usurped him. Ariel, Prospero’s magic fairy tells us that the men aboard the ship have all made it ashore unharmed as planned. Caliban, a misformed beast is introduced.

Ariel leads Ferdinand to the very beautiful Miranda and the two immediately fall in love… Prospero decides to be rude to Ferdinand, fearful of too rapid a courtship between Ferdinand and his daughter. The rest of the shipwreck survivors wake up, being surprised to discover their clothes smelling and feeling as fresh as if they had just been bought at a market… Ariel’s song puts them all to sleep again except for Sebastian and Antonio. Antonio who replaced his brother Prospero as Duke of Milan manipulates Sebastian, King Alonso’s brother into doing the same thing by killing King Alonso. The two are about to kill Alonso in his sleep but Ariel awakens everyone and the two men quickly make excuses for drawing their swords out. Trinculo, a jester, discovers Caliban, quickly realising that the beast would earn a fortune for him as a novelty in England. Stephano, Trinculo’s friend, gives Caliban alcohol, causing Caliban to think Stephano is more powerful than Prospero whom Caliban hates. The three men set off together to kill Prospero…

Prospero, now invisible, watches Ferdinand and Miranda expressing their deep love for one another in words that rival Romeo and Juliet in their tenderness. Ferdinand, realising he is witnessing a truly rare meeting of hearts, approves of Ferdinand for his daughter. Ferdinand decides to marry Miranda. Bottle in hand, Stephano, Trinculo and Caliban continue on their merry way, Stephano getting delusions of grandeur from Caliban blindly following him. Caliban suggests several gruesome ways of killing Prospero. Ariel lures the group away with music… Alonso, Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo, Adrian and Francisco and others witness a banquet on the island but it is an illusion… Ariel returns and scolds Alonso, Antonio and Sebastian for their roles in exiling Prospero… Prospero tells Ferdinand that he will no longer punish him, instead offering his daughter’s hand in marriage to him. Prospero conjures up a mythical, illusory party to celebrate, complete with goddesses and nymphs. Prospero instructs Ariel to bring the shipwrecked men before him.

Remembering Stephano, Caliban and Trinculo, Prospero has Ariel distract them with clothes, Caliban failing to keep his friends focused on killing Prospero. Prospero brings everyone except Stephano, Caliban and Trinculo before him in a circle. Spellbound, he scolds the men who exiled him. Prospero tells Ariel that he will soon be free and that he will miss him. Prospero also intends to destroy his ability to use magic. Making his presence known, Prospero forgives King Alonso and tells Sebastian and Antonio he will keep secret their plan to kill Alonso, forgiving both. The famously sweet scene of Ferdinand playing chess with Miranda occurs. King Alonso is overjoyed to see Ferdinand and soon learns of Ferdinand’s imminent marriage to Miranda. Prospero forgives Stephano and Trinculo. Caliban is embarrassed that he followed a fool (Trinculo), Caliban being given his freedom. Prospero announces that in the morning they will all set sail for Naples. Ariel is set free. Finally, Prospero asks the audience to free him to travel back to Naples reclaiming his life as the Duke of Milan.

The Taming of the Shrew begins in Padua (Italy) with Lucentio and servant Tranio happening upon Bianca, Lucentio instantly falling in love. Bianca, no stranger to admiring glances from men is the youngest daughter of father Baptista, his other elder daughter being Katherine.

Gremio and Hortensio also desire Bianca, so Baptista decrees that neither may pursue her until the shrew Katherine has a husband, a seemingly impossible task. Liking a challenge, Hortensio and Gremio decide to find Katherine a husband. Lucentio has his servant impersonate him, Lucentio disguising himself as teacher Cambio to to get close to Bianca.

The somewhat unkept Petruchio of Verona and servant Grumio arrive and hearing of Katherine, decides to chase and marry her to obtain her family’s wealth. Petruchio is encouraged by Lucentio, Gremio and Hortensio who agree to pay all costs of Petruchio’s quest. The two meet, but is not a case of love at first sight, more fight at first sight!

Meanwhile, Hortensio decides disguise himself as school master Litio, instructing Bianca in music. Likewise, Petruchio has been busy wooing Katherine, even being slapped for his troubles. Petruchio, obstinately just becomes more determined to marry Katherine and ever bold, declares he will wed her on Sunday, earning Katherine’s reply she would rather see him hanged first!

Amazingly, Petruchio successfully woos Katherine but to decide between Lucentio, Hortensio and Gremio, Baptista declares she will go to the wealthiest suitor. Eventually Baptista accepts Lucentio for Bianca but wants Lucentio’s father to confirm Lucentio’s wealth.

Petruchio arrives for his wedding, disappointing Katherine at every turn from arriving in a sorry excuse of a horse to wearing common clothes to kissing Katherine rudely then skipping the wedding banquet with dishevelled servant Grumio in tow for Petruchio’s country home. Baptista, clearly lost for words is simply happy to see her gone. The ride is not pleasant, Katherine falling in mud only to have to defend Grumio from Petruchio.

It doesn’t get any better at for Katherine. Petruchio, finds fault in everything, even a cap Katherine dearly loves. At every turn Petruchio must have the final word, giving poor Katherine a taste of her own medicine! Defeated, Hortensio decides to marry a widow. Petruchio continues to break Katherine’s will, denying her food, clothing even company until she agrees with his word no matter how ridiculous. Katherine, sick of this, starts to agree to anything Petruchio says, just to have peace!

Back in Padua, a man is found to impersonate Lucentio’s father Vincento who meets Baptista. Meanwhile, Lucentio is to marry Bianca. On the road, Petruchio and Katherine meet the real Vincentio, Petruchio even succeeding in having Katherine tell Vincentio he is a woman, then apologize and recognise her error.

Vincentio learns of Lucentio’s marriage all travelling to Padua. Now in Padua Vincentio wishes to see his son to be denied this by both Pedant impersonating Vincento and Tranio impersonating Lucentio. They even try to have the real Vincentio arrested. Lucentio and Bianca declare their marriage, infuriating Baptista and the real Vincento alike. Eventually all decide to accept and celebrate the three marriages of Petruchio to Kate, Lucentio to Bianca, and Hortensio to the widow. Now eating dinner, Petruchio wins a bet against the Lucentio and Hortensio that he has the most obedient wife, telling her afterwards, “Kiss me Kate.”

Pericles begins with Prince Pericles of Tyre realising that King Antiochus’ daughter is pursuing an incestous relationship with her father. Antiochus has even passed a law preventing anyone from marrying his daughter unless they can solve Antiochus’ riddle; failure will result in decapitation… Pericles solves the riddle, angering the King who says Pericles is wrong, giving him just forty days to give the “right” answer.

Both Pericles and Antiochus are aware that Pericles knows about the incest… Wisely, Pericles heads for Tyre to escape. Unfortunately, Antiochus will not be escaped so easily, Antiochus sending his chamberlain, Thaliard to pursue the Prince wherever he is. Knowing he will be gone for some time, Pericles appoints his trusted counselor Helicanus to rule on his behalf as regent before setting sail for Tharsus. Arriving in Tharsus, which is suffering a famine, the Prince brings food, earning Governor Cleon and wife Dionyza’s gratitude. Learning that Antiochus’ forces are near, Pericles heads off to sea again only to be shipwrecked, becoming the only survivor.

Washing up in Pentapolis, Pericles falls for Thaisa, the daughter of Simonides, successfully winning a tournament to win her hand in marriage. Pericles soon learns from Helicanus that the gods have killed Antiochus and daughter by fire for their incestuous affair, the Lords of Tyre petitioning that their Prince return lest mutiny ensue. The Prince thus makes preparations to return by sea with his wife Thaisa, now expecting their child. The sail is not peaceful, the two travellers encountering a storm during which their daughter, Marina is born.

Pericles believes his beloved Thaisa died giving birth. Believing his wife dead, he buries his wife at sea, sealing her in a watertight coffin which washes up in Epheus. Cerimon, discovering Thaisa, successfully revives her, Thaisa assuming that her husband has died. Thaisa thus becomes a vestal virgin, thinking she will never see her husband again. Now a solo parent and fearing the dangerous seas, Pericles entrusts his daughter’s care to Governor Cleon and his wife at Tharsus before continuing his voyage for Tyre.

Some sixteen years pass…. Marina has become a beautiful woman, more beautiful than Dionyza’s own daughter Philoten, much to Dionyza’s annoyance. Dionyza decides to have Marina killed… Unfortunately Dionyza’s servant cannot kill the beautiful woman, instead telling his master Dionyza that she is dead when Marina is captured by the pirates of Valdes before the servant can kill her. Cleon, devastated, raises a statue in Marina’s memory, Pericles grieving when he visits Tharsus and comes across Marina’s tomb.

Marina however is not dead; because of her beauty, the pirates sell her into prostitution in Mytilene. Meanwhile, in a brothel, Marina, refuses to sleep with any man, converting many to a life of virtue instead. Fortunately, Lysimachus, the local Governor of Mytilene soon frees Marina.

Pericles, still grieving for Marina, reaches Mytilene, running into his daughter before eventually recognizing her. Lysimachus proposes to Marina, who happily accepts. Whilst asleep, the Goddess Diana tells Pericles to head for Ephesus. There, he finds Thaisa, now a senior priestess of Diana, completing the reunification of the family. We also learn that the people of Tharsus have burned Cleon and wife Dionyza alive for trying to kill Marina.

Much Ado about Nothing begins with Don Pedro, The Prince of Arragon returning from victory against his brother, the rebellious Don John. One of Don Pedro’s officers, Claudio has distinguished himself greatly in this campaign. The rebellious Don John had tried to take over Arragon. Though beaten, as part of the truce negotiated, Don John agreed to let Don Pedro rule Arragon if Don John may also return to his property in peace.

Don Pedro visits the Governor of Messina, Leonata on his way home. In Messina, Claudio falls deeply in love with Hero, Leonata’s daughter whilst his officer Benedick, trades barbs and witty rejoinders with the Leonata’s niece, Beatrice. Leonato notes the merry war of words these two have… In love with Hero, Claudio seeks Benedick’s opinion, Benedick only teasing him about her, making Claudio determined to marry her. Knowing Claudio loves Hero, Don Pedro nobily arranges to court Hero on Claudio’s behalf.

Playing matchmaker, Don Pedro, Leonato and Claudio decide to try to make ever the bachelor Benedick fall in love with Beatrice, equally opposed to any nuptials. Hero too gets in on the act, helping to matchmake with the aide of her waiting women. The plan is to trick both Benedict and Beatrice into thinking each has declared their deep love for the other!

Meanwhile, Claudio’s marriage to Hero is planned but though Don Pedro has made peace with his brother Don John, Don John, jealous of Claudio’s reputation is determined cause him harm….

That very night during a masked party, Don John mischieviously allows Claudio to overhear remarks that he believes Don Pedro, Claudio’s friend actually wants Hero for himself. Devastated, Claudio runs off before Don Pedro can tell him the good news that Claudio and Hero will be married. Beatrice finding Claudio, makes him see reason.

Learning of Claudio’s eminent marriage to Hero, Don John uses a waiting woman of Hero and his aide Borachio to make it look like Hero is not the fair lady Claudio and Pedro believe her to be. Claudio takes the bait, rejecting and denouncing a heartbroken Hero on the altar!

Friar Francis, believing in Hero’s virtue, helps the grief stricken Hero away with her father Leonata’s help who soon afterwards announces the death of his daughter from grief at being rejected.

Borachio, however has drunkenly boasted not only of his part in Don John’s plan but also about the ducats he received, his subsequent confession restoring Hero’s virtue and good name. A public apology is demanded by Leonata from Claudio professing Hero’s good virtue. Additionally, an epitagraph is to be hung at Hero’s grave then sung by Claudio. In return, Leonata allows Claudio to marry one of his nieces instead of Hero who just so happens to be an almost exact copy of his dead daughter.

This niece reveals herself to be none other than Hero, the planned wedding now marrying two couples, Claudio and Hero and Benedick and Beatrice. At the wedding Benedick and Beatrice question why neither declared their love to each other directly. They learn that they were tricked but realise they loved each other all along… Meanwhile news comes that Don John who had gone into hiding has been taken captured, the play ending with Benedick telling Pedro, now single amongst his friends to “Get thee a wife, get thee a wife!”

A Midsummer Night’s Dream begins with two sets of lovers, Lysander and Hermia and Helena and Demetrius. Unfortunately for Helena, Demetrius no longer loves Helena, instead falling for Hermia. Hermia’s father Egeus however, wants Hermia to marry Demetrius. Unable to change his daughter’s mind, Egeus calls upon The Duke of Athens, Theseus to ensure Hermia marries Demetrius. Theseus himself will marry Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazons in four days time. This results in Hermia being given a choice under the Athenian law; marry Demetrius, become a nun or face death. She has four days to decide. Not needing one, Hermia instead flees into the nearby forest with her one true love, Lysander who tells her they can travel to his aunt’s house and marry.

Meanwhile, there is discord in the forest. The King and Queen of the Fairies, Oberon and Titania are fighting over an orphan. Oberon wants the boy to be his page; Titania disagrees. Oberon accuses Titania of loving Theseus, Titania accusing Oberon of loving Hippolyta. Now, Oberon sneekily instructs Puck a minion of his, to bring him a flower from Cupid that will make the holder fall in love with the first person they see… Oberon hopes Titania will love a monster thus allowing him to obtain the orphan. Oberon will have a flower placed on Titania whilst she sleeps, making her fall in love with the first person she sees.

Like Hermia and Lysander, Helena and Demetrius too are now in the forest. Helena told Demetrius of Hernia’s flight, Demetrius running into the forest to find her. . . Oberon feels sorry for Helena when he hears Demetrius reject her and so tells Puck to place a flower on Demetrius also, ensuring Demetrius will fall in love with Helena again. Predictably, Puck places a flower on Lysander instead of Demetrius. Unfortunately, Helena not Hermia is the first person Lysander sees, Lysander instantly falling in love with Helena, devastating Hermia whom Lysander now rejects.

Meanwhile, a group of men are practicing for a play for the Duke’s upcoming wedding, named “Pyramus and Thisbe.” Mischieviously, Puck puts a spell on Bottom, one of these men, giving him the head of an ass (Donkey). By chance, Titania awakens to see Bottom, falling deeply in love with the ass, to Oberon’s intense amusement. However Oberon, seeing Helena still without her Demetrius, decides to remedy the situation, placing the flower on Demetrius himself and taking pains to ensure Helena is the first person Demetrius sees. Helena though, is not sure what to think; having both Demetrius and Lysander in love with her; she suspects she is being made fun of… Hermia appears, Helena accusing her of collusion with the two men to humiliate her. Realising Puck’s mistake, Oberon has Puck create a fog allowing the four to be separated and placed to sleep so the spell can finally wear off.

Oberon now administers an antidote to the magic to Lysander so he will once more love Hermia not Helena as he did under the spell. Oberon also cures Titania of her love of Bottom, Oberon and Titania finally making peace. The four lovers and Bottom leave the forest believing this to all have been a midsummer nights dream. The tedious play is performed at the wedding feast, Lysander and Hermia, Demetrius and Helena and Theseus and Hippolta marrying. The play ends with fairies casting blessings and Puck delivering a soliloquy.

The Merchant of Venice begins with Antonio’s friend Bassanio owing Antonio money. Unnable to pay his debts, Bassanio asks Antonio for more money so he may marry the wealthy and beautiful Portia and so pay back his friend. Antonio has no money to spare but tells Bassanio to use his good name to get a loan… Meanwhile, Portia laments that she has yet to find her special someone. She complains about her past suitors and her late father’s will which chooses her husband for her. This will chooses Portia’s husband by means of three caskets, one gold, one silver and one lead. A suitor must choose one of the three caskets, a picture of Portia being contained in the correct casket. Losing means never seeing Portia again. Though Portia did not like any of her past suitors, she does remember Bassanio…

Bassanio gets his loan from a Jewish merchant named Shylock. The price for not repaying is a pound of flesh from Antonio, but Antonio is not worried. His ships (and wealth) come back a month before the debt is due… Jessica, ashamed of her father Shylock, plans to elope with Lorenzo. Jessica disguised as a boy and with some of her father’s jewels and gold, will be waiting at her house for Lorenzo… Shylock learns that Bassanio will be having a masque (masked ball). Shylock tells Jessica to stay at home and ignore the Christian revelries, which Shylock despises.

The Moroccan Prince takes the three-casket challenge for Portia, choosing the gold casket and losing. Lorenzo and Jessica escape successfully from Shylock… Shylock is furious at losing his daughter, his gold and his precious jewels to a Christian and knowing Antonio was partially involved, swears revenge… At Belmont, The Prince of Arragon chooses the silver casket, going home empty handed. Shylock makes it clear that he no longer wants repayment of Bassanio’s debt. He would prefer his pound of flesh since he sees Antonio as the source of all his miseries… Bassanio arrives to court Portia who is reluctant never to see Bassanio again should he fail the casket challenge. Bassanio chooses correctly. Bassanio will marry Portia, Bassanio’s friend Gratiano planning to marry Nerissa, Portia’s maid. Without money, Antonio forfeits his debt to Shylock, standing to lose a pound of his flesh and his life for helping Bassanio. Portia offers to pay Bassanio’s debt twelvefold… Antonio pleads to Shylock to let him pay back Bassanio’s debt but Shylock wants Antonio’s pound of flesh… Portia and Nerissa leave for Venice to save Antonio, disguised as men.

Portia, disguised as a man, defends Antonio, winning his life, through the technicality defense that Shylock can take a pound of flesh and no more, an impossible task. Furthermore, she argues Shylock conspired to murder, an offense punishable by asset confiscation and death. A compromise is reached whereby Shylock must become a Christian and give half his assets to Jessica when he dies. Still disguised as men, Portia and Nerissa trick Bassanio and Gratiano into giving them their wedding rings. Portia and Nerissa arrive back in Belmont and ask to see their husband’s wedding rings… Much comedy ensues as the two men attempt to make excuses… Portia ends Bassanio’s and Gratiano’s suffering by explaining their role in Venice. The two men are embarrassed that they could not recognise their own wives…