Twelfth Night

This sparkling performance by the Pranksters of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, set in the late 50s/early 60s, is just the thing for a summer’s evening in Guildford’s glorious Castle Grounds. A fabulous cast brings out the best of the text, amid all kinds of amusing goings on, and quirky innovations.

It opens with a storm and ends with the ballad ‘The rain it raineth every day’. In between there is total confusion and chaos, mistaken identity, unrequited passion, yellow socks and all manner of nonsense!

People of Guildford who have never attended one of these outdoor productions by the bandstand of the Castle Grounds do not know what they are missing. Under the spreading oak tree, rustling leaves, birds all around, an ideal setting indeed for a comic caper such as this.

The bandstand provides an ideal backdrop, so no scenery was needed. Props though were many and fun, from a multi-purpose washing line, a washboard, a pail, a deckchair, a dansette record player, some vintage tennis racquets, and a couple of sparkly rings.

Both lighting and sound were very effective. Cleverly chosen 50/60s songs were peppered throughout the production, which greatly added to the sense of fun.

Smart jackets with mod-like hats for Cesario and Sebastian, a tweed outfit and bucket hat for Sir Toby Belch. Orsino sported a Panama hat, linen jacket and at times the Pranksters stunning long black leather coat. Olivia was stunning in black and white. Malvolio was smart in black suit and bowler hat, sporting a gold chain of office. The most striking costume by far was the 1950s green polka-dot dress with matching green beads worn by Fabia.  I couldn’t take my eyes off that!

The whole cast bounded onto the set in voluminous yellow capes and sou’wester hats - it was actually quite a scary storm scene. Viola, saved by the Captain, makes her way to Duke Orsino’s house, but dresses as a man with a new name, Cesario, in order to be able to work as his manservant. Amy Scott gives a great performance as Viola/Cesario, feisty as the boy, yet vulnerable as she realises she is falling for Orsino, played well by J. P. Judson.

Sent as Orsino’s messenger to the haughty, unfriendly Olivia, played by Sophie Marcus with all the airs of a Countess, Viola is perplexed to discern that Olivia is attracted to her in the guise of Cesario.

Charlotte Lamb is great as Olivia’s cheery, lively, quick-witted and jolly housekeeper Maria, larger than life. Olivia’s uncle Sir Toby Belch, who quite lives up to his name, is a marvellous vehicle for Oli Bruce to show us his comic talents, so it is no surprise that these two end up getting married.

Sir Toby’s wealthy guest, Sir Andrew Aguecheek provides the funds for many a jolly drinking session. Dean Brewer brings a lot of energy and humour to the part, yet also shows a certain amount of self-knowledge (though only occasionally!)

One of these drunken occasions ends up with an improvised skiffle band waking up the whole household. Maria appears in fetching nightdress and housecoat, and Malvolio, Olivia’s earnest and worthy steward, in pyjamas and check woolly dressing gown. Malvolio is extremely serious and totally disapproves of the Countess’s rude and crude uncle and his guest. He’s rather a puritan, in fact, interesting when one considers when the play was written. He is a proud and dour man, and the part was absolutely perfect for Phil Snell – I couldn’t wait for the reveal, knowing that Mr Snell would dazzle with his interpretation.

Maria and the rest of Olivia’s household decide to play a trick on Malvolio, knowing that he is sweet on his mistress. As he espies Maria’s letter, written in Olivia’s hand, they hide behind large umbrellas to watch his reaction, which was of course superbly played. His longing, the fact that he was surprised, yet of course not that surprised, all perfectly portrayed. He finished the first half washing out his yellow stockings!

The reveal of Olivia setting eyes on this foolish soul clad in yellow stockings and full highland gear, prancing about the stage, was of course hilarious, so well done. Later though, as Malvolio is locked up for a madman, and then taunted by the fool, we see the sad side of the man. An Olivier award winning depiction.

There was plenty more fun to be had, including a duel with tennis racquets and plenty more good performers, Alex Gold as Fabia, Sam Gould as Feste, Theo Reed-Martin as Sebastian and the rest of the team. This cast was a joy to watch.

So once again, the Pranksters amused, surprised and entertained us royally. Well done to all!

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