Twelfth Night
Photo: Will Green Photography.
Review by Martine Silkstone
Twelfth Night is one of my favourite Shakespeare plays, and, call me old-fashioned, I’m usually a traditionalist who likes to see the Bard’s work performed in a classic way, with no modern twist. But I’m delighted to say that, for the second time, I have been converted in my thinking by a fabulous youth production. The first time, it was LAMDA’s 2016 production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which was set in Ohio and featured fairies from space (no, really, it was amazing), and last night, New Wolsey Theatre Young Company did it again with their joyous production of Twelfth Night.
Taking our seats, some of the cast were already on stage and inhabiting their roles, allowing the audience to relax and engage before the show began. In fact, we were instantly intrigued - the scene before us included an inflatable flamingo rubber ring, a beach ball and a palm tree, with one young man lounging by the pool in sunglasses.
This isn’t going to be your usual Twelfth Night, I thought - and I was right.
This is a fab and funky Twelfth Night; one that brings the story up to date while keeping all the beautiful language you expect from a Shakespeare play (with the addition of a few mild expletives).
We open with the lovelorn Orsino (the super-cool Shahin Khalfi), who is pining for the Countess Olivia (Wiktoria Zietek) as she does not return his affections. Then there is the storm - brilliantly done - where young Viola (Isabelle Casement) is shipwrecked and washed ashore in Illyria. She disguises herself as a man, Cesario, to ensure her maiden virtue and takes a position in Orsino’s court where she acts as his go-between, taking messages of love to Olivia. Meanwhile, Viola’s twin brother, Sebastian (Robbie Sliwka), who is thought drowned, arrives in town accompanied by the sea captain who rescued him.
Cue much confusion as Viola falls in love with Orsino, who loves Olivia, who soon loves Cesario not realising he/she is a girl.
There is also a comic subplot, as Olivia’s staff conspire to make a fool of her pompous steward, Malvolio (a wonderful portrayal by Blake Garnham). This prank is led by her riotous uncle, Sir Toby Belch (the star of the show for me, James Hattan), Olivia’s maid Maria (Jazzy Abel) and another of her suitors, Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Noah Fox).
And tying it all together, is the Feste the Fool (well played by Finlay Clench) who acts as the observer, drawing attention to the foolishness and true nature of the other characters.
All very complicated - as is Shakespeare’s way - and if you are unfamiliar with the story, it is well worth getting an outline in your head before you go. Mentioning the names a few more times might have helped in this performance, but I have to say, they do a pretty good job of presenting the narrative clearly. Indeed, rather impressively, the cast are confident, articulate and seem word perfect in their lines - no small feat in a play like this.
Photo: Will Green Photography.
Yes, this is a talented group of actors who, together with their clever production team, have put together something funny, modern and enjoyable for all, including those Shakespeare newbies. I even loved the addition of modern music throughout, especially the magical scene where Cesario/Viola sings Harvest Moon to her love, backed up by the other actors playing instruments - superb!
And hats off to the set and lighting designers who have created something truly beautiful and atmospheric using a projected backdrop and simple staging. In a local theatre, it’s the best I have seen for a long while.
So, I am, once again, converted by the energy, talent and imagination of a youth theatre group. Bravo!
Well worth the ticket price of just £12! Can you believe it? A professional, joyful, live performance of Shakespeare for less than the cost of many cinema tickets. Indeed, for under 22s it is FREE!
No excuses - check it out right now.
Twelfth Night is at New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich until 16 August.
FOR SHOW DETAILS AND BOOKING LINK, CLICK HERE