Twelfth Night – English Touring Theatre

I’m very fussy about favourite Shakespeare plays and judge productions quite harshly, but there is nothing to worry about with this lavish and well-delivered romp through cross-dressing, cross-gartered, gender-bending Illyria. With just one prop, a multi-purpose wardrobe that was ship, box-tree and prison, and backed by a great perpendicular bay window, the uncluttered set allowed us to hear every word. That is the first requirement of any production. The folksy music and rose petals did little for me but the well-choreographed ensemble and sense of fun was a delight. So too was the obvious enjoyment of the happy school parties. The cast must be gratified by those ripples of authentic young laughter from a new generation starting to love Shakespeare.

Post script: High praise too for Assistant Director Peter Bradley’s pre-show talk. Look out for his work in coming seasons!

Theatre Royal, 25 November 2014

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