The Best Bottoms in the Land

A behind-the-scenes look at the Royal Shakespeare Company's current production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. But this is unlike any other production because six of the key parts - including the famous role of Bottom - will be played by amateur actors from the Black Country, who will appear alongside a professional cast. It's a huge privilege for the amateurs - and a huge risk for the RSC.

Six amateur actors from Yorkshire try to fulfil a lifelong dream of treading the boards with one of the most famous theatre companies in the world. Will they be up to the task of sharing a stage with the stars of the Royal Shakespeare Company in the Bard's most famous comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream?

Six amateur actors from Cornwall try to fulfil a lifelong dream of treading the boards with one of the most famous theatre companies in the world. Will they be up to the task of sharing a stage with the stars of the Royal Shakespeare Company in the Bard's most famous comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream?

Can a group of amateur actors from the Canterbury Players make the grade when they perform alongside the Royal Shakespeare Company's finest, in a groundbreaking production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Marlowe Theatre in Kent.

A unique opportunity for the best Bottoms in the land, as six amateur actors join the Royal Shakespeare Company on stage for A Midsummer Night's Dream. A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's best-loved comedies. But there's something special about this production. As the play tours the country, in each region some of the key parts, including the famous role of Bottom, will be played by different, local amateur actors. They will appear on stage alongside the professional actors of the Royal Shakespeare Company. This documentary follows the Poulton Drama actors over nine months, as they prepare to step from amateur dramatics to the big stage, and their first night at The Grand Theatre in Blackpool.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's best-loved comedies. To mark the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death, the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company has selected six amateur actors from County Durham to perform some the play's key roles. Can the Barnard Castle Players rise to the challenge? Will the RSC discover a new star to take on the comic role of Bottom? We follow the highs and the lows in the run-up to the opening night. Narrated by Lauren Laverne.

To mark the 400th anniversary of the Bard's death, the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company has selected six brave amateur actors from the capital to perform in A Midsummer Night's Dream, taking on some of the play's key roles - including the much-loved comic character Bottom. But how will they cope over the tense months leading up to their big opening night at the Barbican? Narrated by Sam West.

The search for the best Bottoms in the land, as six amateur actors join the Royal Shakespeare Company on stage for A Midsummer Night's Dream. A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's best-loved comedies. But there is something unique about this production. As the play tours the country, in each region some of the key parts, including the famous role of Bottom, will be played by different, local amateur actors. They will appear on stage alongside the professional actors of the Royal Shakespeare Company. This documentary follows the Hucknall actors over nine months, as they prepare to step from amateur dramatics to the big stage, and their first night at Theatre Royal Nottingham. Narrated by Sam West.

The search for the best Bottoms in the land, as six amateur actors join the Royal Shakespeare Company on stage for A Midsummer Night's Dream. A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of Shakespeare's best-loved comedies. But there is something unique about this production. As the play tours the country, in each region some of the key parts, including the famous role of Bottom, will be played by different, local amateur actors. They will appear on stage alongside the professional actors of the Royal Shakespeare Company. This documentary follows the Norfolk actors over nine months, as they prepare to step from amateur dramatics to the big stage, and their first night at Norwich Theatre Royal. Narrated by Sam West.