Morris, who is artistic director of Bristol Old Vic, said in a press statement, "In October 1995, I fell in love with a hyena.  It was the star of a show called Faustus in Africa, designed by Adrian Kohler of Handspring Puppet Company, and it looked as if it was alive. I've followed and occasionally been lucky enough to work with Handspring ever since. They are the greatest puppet company in the world and it is a huge thrill to be able to invite them to Bristol to collaborate with us on this experimental version of Shakespeare’s sexiest and most magical comedy."

Kohler and his Handspring (and life) partner Basil Jones, added, "A Midsummer Night's Dream takes place in a world where magic and the fairies are palpable to the people in it. It's been great once again to be exploring new terrain with Tom Morris and to meet our designer Vicky Mortimer. The quest to find our Athens together has already been a joyous journey and the chance to transplant what we have discovered onto the newly born ancient stage of Bristol Old Vic is both an honour and extremely exciting."

Following its run in Bristol, the production will transfer to the Spoleto Festival USA and then the International Festival of Arts and Ideas in New Haven. Further national and international dates will follow in 2014.

To book tickets for the Bristol run, contact the box office on 0117 987 7877, or visit bristololdvic.org.uk for more details.