Throughout the centuries, composers have been influenced and inspired by Shakespeare’s work. What Dreams May Come is a new studio piece drawing on hundreds of years of music inspired by and adapted from Shakespeare’s plays and poetry to depict the joys and sorrows of a long life, well-lived. Mixing puppetry with music by Purcell, Gerald Finzi and more performed by a chamber ensemble, this new production explores the timeless appeal of Shakespeare’s words and characters for composers and audiences throughout history. Valentina Ceschi, whose past work for ETO includes the charming and colourful Il viaggio a Reims from 2023, The Great Stink and our film for families, The Firebird, returns to direct.