Twelfth Night

What better way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon than sitting outside at the Sunken Garden in Saughton Park being transported to Illyria to watch an excellent production of Twelfth Night. This is one of Shakespeare’s greatest popular comedies and this talented cast most certainly did the play justice bringing out all the fun, nonsense and humour.

Fast forwarded to the 60’s, the retro costumes were flamboyant, colourful and true to the style of that period. Particular mention has to be given to Malvolios’s crocheted yellow stockings which were a work of art.

This was a most refreshing production which was highly entertaining. Each scene was linked by some extremely well researched 60’s music which was pertinent to the varying scene changes. Primarily a plot about mistaken identity which results in chaos, the dialogue flowed effortlessly with very little sign of hesitation.

Irena Komunjer, the impish court jester Feste, set the scene beautifully and was spritely throughout. With a lovely singing voice too her songs were a pleasure to listen to. The aristocratic, trendy, 60’s music lover Duke Orsino was played with style and stoicism by Finlay Allan. He is infatuated by Olivia who totally rebuffs him. Helping him to try to win Olivia’s heart is Viola, a young girl who has been ship wrecked with her brother and who disguises herself as a boy, Cesario, and enters the service of the Duke Orsino. Rhona O’Donnell adapted well to the secret life as a boy and ably managed the contrasting emotions and mannerisms between Cesario and Viola herself when she realises she has fallen for the Duke.

Cosette Bolt was a convincing bossy, stand offish Olivia dismissing the Duke’s proposals. The change in character from the haughty Olivia mourning the death of her brother to the love seeking Olivia when she lets down her guard displaying her feelings for Cesario was well done.

Sir Toby Belch and Sir Andrew Aguecheek provide much of the comedy in this play and Chris Young and Michael Stephens were an excellent double act. The drunken, jovial Sir Toby and foppish Sir Andrew were an inspiring duo who kept us entertained with their very well timed comedic aspects of the play and natural interaction. Kate Stephens vivacious Maria added mischief particularly as this trio plotted to humiliate Malvolio. Diane Waugh’s Fabia, also part of Sir Toby’s circle, was animated as she too enjoyed the pranks.

Poor Malvolio, tricked into thinking his dream of marrying Olivia might come true was brilliantly played by Wag. Gullible and naive he gave a most humerous believable performance and delivered his lengthy monologues meaningfully.

Scott Adair-Grabas displayed a youthful innocence as Sebastian, Viola’s long lost twin, totally bemused by what was going on around him. He has been brought ashore by Antonio a sea captian who has rescued and followed Sebastian and Jen Ward showed a genuine loyalty to Sebastian.

Other minor supporting roles were well played by Fiona Henderson and Paul Blanchfield.

True love never runs smoothly in Shakespear’s plays but despite confusion, twists and turns and the joy of twins being reunited, everyone found a happy ending. With minimal props and a simple set this was an excellent production performed by a most talented group of actors and skillfully directed. Well done to all invoved in any way on and off stage in making this a most successful Twelfth Night .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.