Doctor Who’s Influence on A Midsummer Night’s Dream
By David Hill
When the most recent adaptation of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is broadcast on the BBC later this month, do not be surprised if it has a distinct feel that would remind one of Doctor Who.
One would not imagine William Shakespeare would have much to do with Doctor Who, unless we count the episode where our favorite Time Lord exchanged barbs with The Bard. The idea that Doctor Who would have any influence on that play is laughable for many reasons, not including that Shakespeare lived almost 400 years before Doctor Who existed.
Yet, in the upcoming production of Shakespeare’s classic tale on BBC next week, there will be a decided influence from Doctor Who. While this does not mean that Theseus is going to lose his bride when Hippolyta hitches a ride aboard the TARDIS, quite a few alumni from the show are going to be involved in the play.
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Not only did former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies write this adapatation, but he also has Bernard Cribbins, best known in the Whoniverse as Wilf, as a part of the production Davies also turned to David Tennant for advice, calling him the greatest Shakespeare expert that he knows, even trying to get him involved in the production.
"“When I embarked on this production, I scrolled down my phone to seek the advice of the greatest expert in Shakespeare I know, David Tennant,” says Davies. “Sadly, he wasn’t free to appear in this production – he would have made a great Moth – but he suggested some brilliant jokes. When you see the gag with Bernard Cribbins and a handpump, that’s copyright DT.”"
It will certainly be interesting to see the various ways in which this production is influenced by Doctor Who. Granted, we will not be seeing Daleks terrorizing the forests, and these trees will not be having conversations with a little girl while trying to protect the planet, but there will be little nods here and there. If nothing else, it should be interesting to try to notice them all.
Next: Doctor Who stars take the stage again
William Shakespeare had his time on Doctor Who, but that does not mean that the show is done with him. The influence of the show on this most recent adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream will certainly prove that.
