An intensely practical account of how A Midsummer Night's Dream actually works on stage. A scene-by-scene guide to Shakespeare's best loved comedy, from the well-know actor Michael Pennington, drawing on his own experience of directing A Midsummer Night's Dream at the famous Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park, London, in 2003 - described by London critics as 'a captivating Shakespearian experience' (Guardian) and 'riotously funny and genuinely touching' (Telegraph). Praise for Michael Pennington's User's Guides: 'An insider's guide par excellence' Simon Callow 'He is sharply intelligent, scrupulously careful, hugely knowledgeable and, above all, wonderfully readable' Peter Holland, The Shakespeare Institute 'It is his range of knowledge - along with a gift for writing clearly and memorably - that makes him such a fine guide'TLS