Oberon, King of the Fairies, is arguing with his queen Tytania over a young changeling boy. So Oberon sends Puck to find a magical flower whose juice, sprinkled on Tytania’s eyelids, will cause her to fall in love with the first creature she sees.  

Meanwhile, lovers Lysander and Hermia have eloped to the forest. They are running away from Demetrius, who is in love with Hermia, and who in turn is loved by Helena! Oberon has witnessed their troubles and orders Puck to use the magic juice on Demetrius too, so that he will fall in love with Helena. 

Six craftsmen arrive in the forest to discuss a play they hope to perform at the wedding of Theseus and Hippolyta. They argue over casting, but finally Bottom and Flute agree to play the title roles, Pyramus and Thisbe.  

Lysander and Hermia go to sleep. Puck mistakes Lysander for Demetrius and sprinkles the juice of the magic flower on Lysander’s eyes. Demetrius arrives with Helena soon after. Helena sees Lysander and wakes him. Under the spell, Lysander is smitten with her. She runs off, believing he is mocking her, and Hermia awakes alone.  

Nearby, the fairies prepare Tytania for sleep. Oberon slips in to sprinkle the magic juice on her eyes… 

Later in the day, the craftsmen meet to rehearse their play. Puck decides to entertain himself by turning Bottom’s head into that of a donkey. The others run away in fear and left alone, Bottom sings to keep his spirits up. This wakes Tytania, who, under the spell, falls instantly in love with the donkey-headed Bottom!  

Oberon is delighted with this result, but soon realises that Puck has made a mistake with the lovers. When Demetrius falls asleep, Oberon sprinkles the magic juice on his eyes. Helena and Lysander arrive, waking Demetrius, who immediately falls in love with Helena — now loved by both men, and Hermia by neither. Furious, Oberon gives Puck an antidote to give to Lysander.  

Before sunrise, Oberon releases Tytania from the spell. The four lovers wake up, now as the correct couples. Bottom wakes from what he thinks was a strange dream. When the other craftsmen find him, they tell him that their play has been chosen for Theseus and Hippolyta’s wedding.  

At the wedding, the two couples ask Theseus’ for forgiveness. Theseus pardons them, promising that they can be married together with him and Hippolyta. The craftsmen perform their masterpiece, ‘Pyramus and Thisbe’. As everyone goes to bed, Oberon, Tytania, and the fairies bless the sleeping household, and Puck gets the final word.