A SPELL will be cast at the Railway Hotel next week as a Midsummer Night’s Dream-themed fundraiser takes over the Southend pub.

The brainchild of actor and musician Wendy Morgan, who threw a Midwinter event earlier in the year, the latest outing will raise money for Moroccan Primate Conservation UK, which aims to protect the endangered Barbary macaque.

Wendy is looking forward to the dreamy, magic-tinged event featuring live music and poetry.

Music come from the likes of Tim Sully, classical and flamenco guitarists David Buckingham and guest Rob James, keyboard player Kris Kennington, Sixties girl group the Starlettes and popular band Penguin Party.

It will all be overseen by poet Simon Blackman, left, who will take on the guise of the unfortunate Bottom, the carpenter from Shakespeare’s much-loved play, who finds himself transfigured by mischevious spirit Puck into having the head of a donkey.

Wendy says people are welcome to get into the spirit of the theme and don their own flower crowns and fairy outfits for the evening, dressing as Oberon or Titania, or any of their other favourite characters to join in the fun.

She says: “Simon has agreed to be our Bottom. We’ve got him some ears and he’s going to do that for the night and be our maitre’d.

“It would be nice if everyone dressed up, but it’s fine if they don’t as they’ll still have a great time.

Wendy is also hoping to get the pub dressed up with a forest look to set the scene.

Music tracks will be played between the live music acts, so some midsummer dancing can take place as well. Wendy wants the evening to raise as much money for the charity as possible. She says Barbary macaques are used to perform for tourists and are victims of illegal pet trading. The charity aims to protect the animals through preserving their natural habitat, funding scientific research and campaigning against the pet trade in infants.

 A Midsummer Night’s Dream is at the Railway Hotel, Clifftown Road, Southend, on Friday, July 19, from 7.30pm. Entry is by donation.