Twelfth Night

Octopus Drama Group

Twelfth Night                                                                                                                      

As seen by: Frankie Telford on June 7th, 2018

Director: Sarah Wiggins

Christ the King Church Hall, Thornbury

This is one of the lighter and better known of Shakespeare’s plays and one of my favourites.  It is a comedy of mistaken identity and unlikely situations, which arise, as a result.

It was set it in the 1920s and so avoiding the period costume of the 1600s.  There were many ‘front of tabs’ scenes allowing more elaborate scenes to be set behind.  The sets were well painted, dressed and furnished.  The lighting had been well designed to cope with new position of the tab track; and was well cued, as was the sound.  The sound and lighting creating the storm at the beginning were effective.  Most of the costumes were well chosen and fitted well.  I liked the transformation of Malvolio when ‘cross-gartered’, to plus fours and argyle stockings.  Naomi Dunn was assertive in her role of Viola, which is complex; she had an air of feminine masculinity.  Her twin brother Sebastian is a more straightforward character, which was well played by Cameron Hall.  He came over as someone who knew his own mind, and although grieving for his sister, was not going to wallow in self-pity. Orsino, played by David Hill, was in command as the powerful Duke.  Sir Toby Belch, Olivia’s Uncle, is actually not a very nice character.  Nigel Lane brought out the many elements of his character and played his drunken scenes with care and gusto, never going too far.  Ian Cornes convincingly brought Sir Andrew Aguecheek, Sir Toby’s drinking partner, to life.  He showed the silliness of his nature mistakenly believing himself to be a good dancer and great lover and being coerced into a duel; and then the pathos when he realises he has been duped.   Sarah Cullyer, as Viola, tried to control her household as best she could.  She showed a change in character from mournful grieving to her happier self when she falls in love with Cesario.  Sam Stillman, as Maria, brought out the humour and impish side of her nature when with Sir Toby, whilst maintaining a more demure demeanour with Olivia.  Joanne Plumbley, as Fabienne, entered enthusiastically into the plot against Malvolio.  Peter Wiggins gave a superb performance as Malvolio, steward to Olivia.  He captured the superciliousness of the character, showing why he was so detested by the others; and then the pathos after the cruel trick played upon him, which made the audience very sympathetic towards him.  His facial expressions were excellent.  The multi- talented Lizzie Lindsell, as Feste, showed her skills in singing, acting and playing several instruments in the execution of this role.  Calum Sharp, Andrew Cullyer and John Thompson competently played all other roles.

Director, Sarah Wiggins, had some interesting ideas including replacing the tradition songs with those of the era such as ‘I Want to be Loved by You’ and ‘It Ain’t What You Do’.  There were extensive programme notes for anyone coming to the play for the first time.  This play, which was a change from the lighter comedy often performed by the group, had been well interpreted and well directed.  The audience thoroughly enjoyed it.

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