Twelfth Night / What You Will -

William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" consists of many love triangles, however, many of the characters are involved in the web of love they are blind to see their emotions and feelings towards other characters are not what they appear to be. They deceive themselves and others around them. The plot is complex, with deceptions and misunderstandings throughout the play.  Running through the plot there is true love, which eventually comes to fulfilment, and comedy and pathos in equal measure.

Director Nick and Assistant Directors, have to be congratulated for directing a brilliant production, with an excellent cast, set designers, technical crew and costume designers. With numerous changes of scenes the minimalist well-designed set, lighting and sound plots were well through out and worked very well. 

The cast excelled in their roles. Quoting Shakespeare is not easy and the diction, pace and the deliverance of the dialogue and characterization was first class.

Georgina Stone superbly takes on the taxing role as Viola, dressed in disguise as a young man. She meets Count Orsino Duke of Illyria (Craig McCrindle) leaving us in no doubt that she has very strong feelings for him.  Orsino thinks he is in love with Olivia, a rich Countess (Siobhan Foster), when she in turn is falling in love with Viola, thinking that she was a young man. Viola carriers messages from Orsino  to Olivia and here with have the love triangle of Viola-Orsino-Olivia.  Sebastian, Viola's twin brother (Tom Leary), meets Olivia and falls madly in love with her.  She, of course, thinks it is"Viola" who has changed her mind about her.   The performances from the actors of these complex characters was outstanding. 

Maria (Cein Edwards) Olivia's servant, Sir Andrew Aguecheek (Amy Gunn) and Sir Toby Belch (Monica Gallo) - these three merrymakers and scheming rogues come up with ideas to cause as much trouble as they can.  We also have the court jester. Feste, and this character was performed with ease by Sue Burgess and  Michelle Kelly who not only delivered their lines but sang the ballads as required by the court jesters.  Malvolio, Olivia's steward (James A. Simms), is a complex  character.  At the beginning of the play we see him as the  quite unassuming servant of Olivia, but as time moves on we see him as a man who  likes to see himself as handsome and noble, believing that he is irresistible to any woman.  Encouraged by Sir Andrew, Sir Toby and Maria they make him think that Olivia has "feelings"  for him.  Great Performances from all these actors and their characterizations, comedy and timing was first class.

Phoebe Bennett, taking on the roles of Curio, an Officer and Priest, Antonio and Valentine (Elliott Dale-Hughes) and Hannah Pamplin, Sea Captain and Fabian.  Performing multiple roles is not easy as speech and body language have to change to match the character.  Great performances

This was a first class and professional production and the cast were very confident  with their roles.  The comedy and pathos were excellent.  Congratulations to  everyone involved in making this a successful production.

Les and I would like to thank the company for their hospitality and a  most enjoyable evening.

 

 

 

 

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.