Twelfth Night

“The Bradfordians’”
Production of
“Twelfth Night”
By William Shakespeare,
Director – Simon Blacksell,

Lighting and Sound – Robert Hearn, Kevin Lawrence, Bob Spence, Martin Hudson,

Noah Goadfield & Jamie Lambourne.
Costumes – Chrissie Thornhill,
Set Design – Phil Courage,

(As seen by Bob Allen, District 14 Representative –
for Delia Lee local NODA Representative)
on Wednesday 8th, July, 2026

at the Tithe Barn, Pound Lane, Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire BA15 1LF.

PLEASE NOTE:

Any observation made by the reviewer can only be based on what he sees at the performance in question. The
reviewer may have received information in advance of the performance, and it is inevitable that his assessment

will be effected by that knowledge.

The N.O.D.A. Representative’s intention is to give an objective critique of the overall production and in particular
the performance viewed. It should be remembered that any review of this nature can only be objective as far as
the techniques used during the performance observed. Any criticisms expressed may not have been valid at
other performances, and are only made to encourage higher standards in Amateur Theatre.
It is hoped that the audience’s appreciation of your efforts will have given everyone a lift and encouraged you to
greater achievements in the future and that the observations made by the reviewer will prove helpful in improving
future productions.

This evening’s production would be performed in the superb Tithe Barn – one of the
outstanding sights of Bradford on Avon. This barn provides an ideal host for one of
the Baird’s comedies which may have been the nearest he came to composing a
pure farce. History tells us that women were not allowed to perform on the open
stage so all the female parts were played by men. So the attraction of this play is the
main leading actors taking the play to the limits of what would be good taste in
Shakespeare’s day. This play also contains many phrases Shakespeare introduced
into common speech so you can be surprised if you suddenly hear words that ring a
memory bell. This evening’s Director has chosen to change the set-up even more by
making all the traditional females parts to be played by men and male roles are to be
played by women. As the sub title of the play is “What you will” I suppose there is no
reason to not to change how the play is acted. But I did wonder if the outcome would
mean the loss of the quite innocent exposing of the lovers in the last act of the
original play.
Inside the Barn there was a large three level set constructed giving three acting
levels with central exits and use of off-stage exits. The whole acting area was
covered by three floor based mics. The whole area was well lit by a upper level
lighting rig. The flying bats later in the show were an added extra – but in keeping!
What was another extra was the wonderful musical interludes provided by Feste
(Felix Bryne on guitar) His talent was welcomed as a break in the stage action and a
swift move forward in the storyline. A very talented actor and musician his entrances
and exits gave a lighter texture to the pace of the show. I would have preferred if his

last song could have been sung before the curtain call, and not afterward, as it left
an untidy messy ending as there were no main curtains available. All the actors were
well costumed although there was no clear period being targeted. Those ladies
playing men’s roles were dressed in dressing gowns rather than coats or jackets.
There was little use of props but those used were all were old in character.
This was a well rehearsed play and there were very few prompts needed by the very
attentive lady at stage edge. All entrances and exits were mostly carried out swiftly
and quietly. The outside scenes were well lit, given woodland sounds and morning
mist.

Despite my confusion over the role changes I could still appreciate the effort
made by the cast. None more than Olivia played by Caroline, who stepped into the
role at short notice. Her acting was direct, engaging us at every appearance. She
held herself with grace and beauty and her diction was wonderful. I also enjoyed the
role playing of Jem as Viola/Cesário. With his height and slim appearance he easily
moved roles – once he had covered up all that natural hair! His diction was very
good and he projected his voice well. Mary had the role of the lover Orsino and we
all felt for him! She made a difficult role seem simple. Freda playing Sir Toby Belch
really enjoyed herself and tackled the role very well with plenty of life. Her sparing
partner Sir Andrew Aguecheek, played by Liz, tried very hard with the role. I would
have liked her to be less aggressive at some appearances so that we could best
hear and understand her thoughts. Lynne, in the role of Malvolio, bravely had to
model the famous yellow tights. Although we saw you act well on stage we were all
waiting for those tights! And a quick mention to Rose who played the Priest – lovely
– just a few words to say after waiting the whole play to walk on stage!
I hope that all those in the cast enjoyed their parts and can look forward to playing
Shakespeare again.
Thanks to everyone for their kindness and hospitality during my visit.
Kind Regards, Bob Allen. NODA SW district 14 representative.

N.B. The comments above are solely the view of the representative attending and only reflects the performance

seen.

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