Cast

Synopsis

Viola and her twin brother Sebastian have been shipwrecked off the coast of Illyria and each believes the other to be drowned. Viola disguises herself as a boy and, under the name of Cesario, enters the service of the Duke Orsino who is convincing himself that he
loves the Lady Olivia. So begins Shakespeare’s life enhancing play of romance, comic tricks, songs and deception, a joyful, sunlit celebration in a festive season.

Directors Notes

Twelth Night’ was probably written in 1600 and performed by Mr. Burbage’s company – no doubt with Shakespeare playing Malvolio before Elizabeth 1’s court on January 5th 1601, the twelfth night of that year’s Christmas festivitles. By this time the author was approaching the peak of his gifts and it is this director’s humble opinion that Twelfh Night is one of the two dozen or so greatest plays in world literature – any dozen of which are also Shakespeare’s work. So…… what of this masterpiece? It might be as well to mention first the two (possibly the only two) weaknesses Shakespeare reveals:he had no interest in either names or titles. Numerous plays feature ‘Antonio’, ‘Sebastian’, ‘Roderigo’, ‘Portia’ and so on. whilst the title ‘Twelfth Night’ is typically meaningless. The alternative title: ‘or What You Will’ emphasises Shakespeare’s reluctance to create a title for a play whose plots concern brother and sister identical twins; a love-lorn Duke; a mourning Countess; her drunken uncle; his stupid friend; the household professional comic; and a conceited steward Amalgamate these ingredients of comedy, romance and, at times, high drama and you will have a Christmas feast to savour.

It has been a privilege for me to direct this festive treat for Bingley Little Theatre; I hope it proves to be a treat for you too.