As Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Ghosts star Mathew Baynton is to make his debut with the Royal Shakespeare Company, playing Bottom in a new production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

He will take the comic role in the play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon from Tuesday January 30 to Saturday March 30 next year.

Baynton – who also co-writes the BBC sitcom – said: ‘I really couldn't be more excited to be joining the cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the RSC. 

‘I've always wanted to be part of a Shakespeare production and I've been hoping to return to the stage for quite some time too, so to be able to combine those two ambitions in one of the great ensemble comedies is a (midsummer night's) dream come true/

He added that director Eleanor Rhode's vision for the production 'sounds magical’, adding: ‘Bottom is, of course, an absolute treat of a role, so I can't wait to get started.’

Rhode added: ‘Mathew Baynton is going to be an incredible Bottom - I've loved his work for years, and so it's a real joy to be able to collaborate with him on bringing this magical play to life.’

No other casting has yet been announced.

The news comes as Ghosts comes to an end this Christmas with a special episode, after five series. In it, Baynton plays the melodramatic and easily infatuated Romantic poet Thomas Angus Thorne.

He trained as an actor at the Rose Bruford College of Speech and Drama in Kent, graduating with first class honours. He has also trained in clowning at the prestigious  École Philippe Gaulier in Paris.

Published: 29 Oct 2023