Picture this. It’s the end of a gloriously warm summer’s day. You are sipping wine and enjoying a picnic of sandwiches and strawberries as the sun starts to sink. You’re sat amidst the ruin of a medieval castle atop a hill in North Wales, which has become a theatre for the evening. The next two hours will be filled with laughter and music as you sit back and watch a travelling band of actors perform Shakespeare’s beloved comedy Twelfth Night. If this sounds like an ideal Sunday night, I am glad to confirm that it was.
I was blown away by The Duke’s Theatre Company last year after stumbling, by complete chance, upon their touring production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, performed across an array of stunning outdoor locations across the UK. Therefore, it was no surprise that for this summer’s tour, an interpretation of another of the Bard’s celebrated comedies was significantly upscaled in audience numbers and venue size. Nevertheless, this year’s production felt just as charmingly intimate and friendly as the last, despite its noticeable expansion.
All six cast members must be commended for their top-class performances, most of them taking on multiple roles. Each actor had impeccable comedic timing, but a special mention must be given to Noah Marullo, who sent the audience into absolute hysterics as Malvolio, and whose commitment to the role was admirable (seriously, those yellow stockings did not look comfortable). Another memorable performance was Ben Simon’s Toby Belch, particularly his musical interlude in which he encouraged the audience to take part. Across the entire production, the original musical features were outstanding and were a fantastic addition to the already phenomenal play.
It was applaudable how unafraid this interpretation was to lean into the homosexual overtones of the original text. From Duke Orsino’s patent attraction to his “male” servant Cesario (whom he does not yet know is Viola) to the poignant unrequited love of Antonio for Sebastian, this was a production that embraced the queer subtext of Shakespeare unapologetically and effortlessly.
Simply put, this was Shakespearean brilliance. It offered a nuanced and thoughtful understanding of the original work and was simultaneously accessible for audiences of all ages. Thanks to polished, sharp performances from its actors and cleverly thought-out set and prop design, this production of Twelfth Night was joyfully watchable and engaging.
I saw the play at Denbigh Castle in Wales, yet there remain many dates left in The Duke’s Theatre Company’s 2023 season, taking place at a range of beautiful sites. I would profusely encourage any Shakespeare lover (and those willing to give it a chance) to attend. I truly cannot imagine a better way to spend a midsummer evening.
With huge thanks to the cast and creatives at The Duke’s Theatre Company for their stunning production of Twelfth Night. I cannot wait to see what next year’s play of choice will be!
Image via Naomi Wallace