While Shakespeare may have believed the course of true love 'never does run smooth”, it can make for a hilarious, wondrous and magical tale.

From next week Tauranga audiences can fall in love under a starry Te Puna night when Summer Shakespeare in the Bay's presents its inaugural production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Enter a magical world filled with fairies like (back, from left): Tamanna Khurana, Shirin White, Katherine Knight, (front, from left): Amalie and Phoebe Watson, when Summer Shakespeare in the Bay and Twice as Good Productions present A Midsummer Night's Dream at Te Puna Quarry Park this month. Photo: Supplied

Produced by Twice as Good Productions, Shakespeare's comedic tale of love challenged by the antics of magical fairies will be on stage at the Te Puna Quarry Park from February 11-19.

The crew, cast of 20 local actors, and director Suzy Sampson are all excited to bring Shakespeare to life on the Dragon Lawn, which is absolutely the perfect location for A Midsummer Night's Dream.

'The mixture of trees, lawn, stone building, flowers and the concrete dragon, will be transformed into the mystical realm of Oberon and Titania,” says Suzy. 'I am absolutely delighted to be presenting this beautiful, funny, rather adorable play in such a breathtakingly lovely location.

'Setting it in the 1920's has provided lots of challenges sourcing costumes but the results are well worth the effort.”

Suzy adds: 'All the cast are ready to put Tauranga audiences under their spell.”

A Midsummer Night's Dream was first performed around 1595 and has delighted, enthralled and captured the imagination of people ever since.

For the production Suzy has an absolute wealth of talented cast and crew members at her disposal, ranging in age from 9 to 79 years old and featuring many well-known and respected local actors.

While the cast and crew also have the benefit of working with a director formerly trained in London, Los Angeles and New York with more than 15 years of acting experience on stage and screen.

Suzy says the location is not only the ideal venue for the play but also the perfect setting for a picnic, which she is wholeheartedly encouraging.

'What a wonderful evening it's going to be, sitting under the stars on a picnic rug with family and friends,” says Suzy. 'All we ask of audiences who are bringing their own picnic is to leave their alcohol at home please.

'Lake Chalice will be on site providing alcohol, there will also be a coffee cart, and Food by Design is offering picnic platters but they need to be ordered when booking tickets.

For older audience members there will be seating available for up to 50 people, but for your Bottom's sake (pun intended) you may want to bring a cushion.

Suzy says in the event of poor weather they will post cancellations on the group's Facebook page and Twice as Good Production's website on the day of the show by 5pm.

Ticket holders will also be given the option to exchange tickets for another night.

'If closing night is cancelled we'll try to offer a Sunday show, but if not possible a full refund will be given.

'We hope Summer Shakespeare at Te Puna Quarry will become an annual event to look forward to.”

A Midsummer Night's Dream is on stage at Te Puna Quarry from February 11-19.

Tickets cost $29 for adults, $24 for students and senior citizens, or $19 for groups of 10 via Ticketek or Baycourt Theatre Box Office.

For more information visit www.twiceasgoodproductions.com or Summer Shakespeare in the Bay Facebook page here.

SunLive has three double passes to give away to lucky readers who can tell us where the event is held. Enter online under SunLive's Competitions section.

Entries must be received before Monday, February 9.